Corpus Christi engine-switch emits less pollution

   The Port of Corpus Christi on Wednesday will inaugurate a repowered, cleaner-burning locomotive used to move railcars at its bulk terminal to and from the mainline. 
   The Texas port used a $1.02 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, plus $256,514 of its own money under the matching requirements, to replace the locomotive’s 1,000 horsepower diesel engine with two 700 horsepower engines.
   The modern engines include technology which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 49 percent, particulate matter by 65 percent and hydrocarbon emissions by 54 percent. They also have anti-idling technology and operate more efficiently, resulting in less fuel consumption, the port authority said.
   Ports around the country are investing in advanced technologies and implementing policies to improve air quality and reduce their impact on neighboring communities. The changes are seen as necessary to maintain political support for expansion projects and other industrial upgrades on their property. – Eric Kulisch