Sustaining the Environment and the Economy

The National Gateway proposes a state-of-the-art rail corridor linking the East Coast's international deepwater ports and major consumption markets with the population and manufacturing centers of the Midwest. With improved clearances, new terminals and greater capacity, the National Gateway will allow shippers to better leverage the environmental advantages of rail transportation and reduce their carbon footprint.

In order for rail transportation to help mitigate the problems associated with rising fuel costs, crowded highways and greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical that rail infrastructure is not only maintained, but enhanced. While the route structure is already in place, the National Gateway will provide the necessary capacity, facilities, and equipment for highly efficient, environmentally-friendly service.

All facilities built or expanded to support the National Gateway will exemplify a commitment to environmental stewardship and serve as a catalyst for future economic development opportunities in the surrounding regions. Modern, high-technology operating methods, such as electric crane systems, will be used in order to ensure that each facility is safe, environmentally friendly and a good neighbor.

In addition to enhancing facilities, expanding capacity on our nation's railways will benefit the environment and promote economic growth. The National Gateway will improve the flow of freight by rail, significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions:

  • Trains can move a ton of freight more than 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel.
  • Railroads are the most environmentally-friendly way to move goods on land.
  • On average, railroads are three or more times more fuel efficient than alternatives, and with constant innovation, freight rail becomes more efficient every day.
  • The EPA estimates that moving freight by rail emits three times less nitrogen oxide and particulates per ton-mile than highway transportation.
  • Shifting 10% of long-haul freight from the highway to the railroad would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12 million tons.

Highway Relief:
By creating additional freight transportation options, the National Gateway will reduce traffic congestion and lower highway maintenance costs. One train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks, clearing space for over 1,100 cars. Any effort to shift long haul freight to rail can greatly improve both safety and congestion.

Fuel Savings:
In 2006 alone, U.S. freight railroads consumed 3.3 billion fewer gallons of diesel fuel and emitted 37 million tons of carbon dioxide less than they would have if their fuel efficiency had remained constant since 1980.

Emission Reductions:
According to the EPA, freight railroads account for just 2% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources and well under 1% of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources. The National Gateway will reduce CO2 emissions by 2.2 million tons.