Nominations Sought for ASLRRA’s New Environmental Award
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Caren Kraska, President of ASLRRA-member Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, testified on the economic and environmental advantages of rail, during a 2021 hearing of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) is inviting members to apply for its new Environmental Award that will recognize “innovative and successful environmental initiatives in the small-railroad industry.” Nominations are due March 4.
“Rail is a highly efficient, environmentally friendly way to move freight over land, emitting only 0.05 pounds of carbon dioxide per ton-mile of freight compared to 0.4 pounds for trucks,” according to ASLRRA. “Such impressive statistics are a reflection of the significant effort railroads put into implementing eco-conscious practices across all areas of operation.”
“Investing in and implementing environmentally friendly operations is not always the simplest or cheapest option,” the association noted, “yet ASLRRA’s members make these choices because they are critical to a sustainable transportation system.”
In recognition of “the increasing focus on this effort,” the association’s Environmental Committee developed the new Environmental Award, ASLRRA reported.
ASLRRA-member railroads may submit nominations describing programs or initiatives undertaken to reduce the company’s environmental impact or contribute to meeting sustainability goals. Such initiatives can include a sustainability plan or report; innovative emissions or environmental impact reduction efforts; and participation in programs such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program; and more.
According to ASLRRA, entries “should give particular focus to how the program helped to reduce the company’s environmental impact or contribute to meeting sustainability goals for the railroad and/or the shipper.” For more on award criteria, factors considered to evaluate entries, and how to submit an application, visit the ASLRRA website.
The inaugural winner will receive the award at the ASLRRA Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held April 2-4, 2023 in New Orleans.
ASLRRA is also accepting nominations for its annual Business Development Awards, recognizing railroad members “whose innovative ideas to build business and promote economic development have been a success”; Safety Awards, including Safety Person of the Year and Safety Professional of the Year; and Veterans Engagement Award, honoring an ASLRRA member “demonstrating policies and practices that support veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.” The deadline for each is March 3, and winners will be recognized at the ASLRRA’s conference in April.
