CarbonFree® Partner
Amtrak
Description
Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 22,000-mile route system. Amtrak recognizes that greenhouse gas reduction is a multi-dimensional concern, and encourages passengers to take practical steps to reduce carbon emissions where possible. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.
Commitment
Amtrak has partnered with Carbonfund.org, allowing passengers to offset the carbon emissions footprint generated by their individual rail travel by making a contribution to Carbonfund.org. To offset rail travel, passengers can log onto http://www.carbonfund.org/site/pages/land/amtrak and choose from one of two affordable options.
Amtrak has also committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent from 2003-2010 as part of its participation in the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). The CCX provides a voluntary exchange for trading greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide) using a market-based system. Greenhouse gas credits available for trading by Amtrak are based on diesel fuel use in the 1998-2001 baseline period. Amtrak continues to meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing diesel fuel use in locomotives.
Partner Quote
“By choosing to travel by rail, Amtrak passengers are already a step ahead because the carbon footprint generated by their trip is smaller than that of most other modes of transportation,” said Roy Deitchman, Vice President, Environmental Health & Safety for Amtrak. “Because it is more energy efficient, traveling by rail contributes less per passenger mile to greenhouse gas emissions than either cars or airplanes. Rail travel also helps to reduce highway congestion in major urban centers.”
