Canadian Locomotive emissions Regulations

[Overmod]

sandyhookken

Does Canada have locomotive emissions regulations comparable to the USEPA Tier IV? Stated another way: could a diesel locomotive (in good shape) that can't economically be upgraded to Tier IV be legally used in Canada?

This is actually two questions, the first of which is probably easily addressed either here or with logical follow up from the information here:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation/overview-locomotive-emissions-regulations

The other issue involves duty or other charge for importing locomotives for use in Canada -- including used locomotives and perhaps parts.  If we see a greater imposition of 'tier 5' or higher restriction on locomotive emissions (whether or not 'fair') in the United States, this might limit cost-effective sale of older lower-tier-compliant engines in Canada.  (And there is always the chance that locomotives might become the chickens/pickups of future tariff squabbles or trade warfare... )

We might gainfully hear from our real Canadians what the prospects for more stringent emissions regulation in Canada might be.

 

 

 

 

[Leo_Ames]

Locomotives don't have to be upgraded to Tier IV in the US, either. If they did, we'd of seen all those GP9's, SD40-2's, and so on parked and scrapped.

It's my understanding that Canadian National and Canadian Pacific have voluntarily followed EPA regulations rather than been forced to by the Canadian government (Although it's obviously partly out of necessity, since CNR/CPR power routinely crosses the border and both have extensive US operations).

Canadian National did receive a 25 unit order of Tier III ES44AC's that were built without emissions credits and which legally aren't supposed to operate in the United States due to not being Tier IV compliant. But I believe that's been the extent of it.

I imagine both realize that if they start to skirt the regulations in a big way, not only would it hinder cross border traffic and raise operating costs, but it would also be inviting additional regulations from Ottawa. The savings just isn't worth it.

Instead, they're going the route of several US Class 1's and are undertaking capital rebuilds of their late 1990's GE/EMD power. That saves them money while also being in full compliance with EPA regulations for rebuilt power. Canadian Pacific in particular has gone for this in a big way and has yet to buy their first Tier IV locomotive.

[sandyhookken]

Does Canada have locomotive emissions regulations comparible to the USEPA Tier IV? Stated another way: could a diesel locomotive (in good shape) that can't economically be upgraded to Tier IV be legally used in Canada?