Scientists Double Estimates for Locomotive Emissions in 2030

overnment scientists said annual emissions of nitrogen oxide and fine particulate matter from diesel Locomotives will be twice as high as initially predicted, the Washington Post reported Monday.

y 2030 scientists estimate that locomotives will annually emit 800,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 25,000 tons of fine particulate matter, or soot.

arlier EPA estimates had placed nitrogen oxide emissions at 480,000 tons and soot emissions at 12,000 tons, the Post said.

ccording to the latest EPA data, while trucks currently emit higher levels of nitrogen oxide and soot than diesel trains, the situation will reverse by 2030 as trucks work to achieve compliance with new federal regulations, the Post reported.

y 2030, EPA estimates that trucks will be responsible for 14,000 tons of soot emissions annually — about half the level expected from locomotives.