A new EPA Tier-4 compliant locomotive built by Knoxville Locomotive Works was unveiled today by privately held transportation service company, OmniTRAX and the Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad (STE).

“This new state-of-the-art locomotive is the result of hard work by many individuals from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Central District, OmniTRAX, KLW and other stakeholders, and will enhance the quality of life in Stockton and nearby communities. The Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad wouldn’t have been able to replace its old locomotive without their determined effort,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX.

The new unit’s energy efficiencies support the overall goal of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Central District’s (UAPCD) Locomotive Program that provided a grant for the purchase. UAPCD’s grant program provides funds for the replacement of older locomotives for newer, environmentally-friendly ones.

“Despite major reductions in emissions, the Valley continues to face difficult challenges in meeting federal air-quality standards,” said Samir Sheikh, the Executive Director / Air Pollution Control Officer of the Valley Air District. “It will be difficult for the Valley to attain the standards for ozone and particulates without these innovative low-emission locomotive projects.”

“This project is a major step in our efforts throughout the Valley to improve public health through financial incentives to reduce pollution.” “Improving the health and quality of life in disadvantaged communities such as around the Port of Stockton is important to me and the Air District,” said Stockton City Councilmember and Valley Air District Governing Board Member Christina Fugazi.