The Locomotive Emissions Monitoring Program (LEM) data filing for 2023 has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 2023–2030 Memorandum of Understanding (referred hereafter as “the MOU”) signed on December 5, 2023, between the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) and Transport Canada (TC) concerning the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and criteria air contaminants (CACs) from locomotives operating in Canada. This is the first report prepared under this MOU, though it is based on reporting for the LEM program governed by MOUs dating back to 1995.
Key Facts & Findings
In 2023, railways invested $2.9 billion into their Canadian networks. Canadian railways lowered their emissions through investments in fleet renewal, fuel saving technologies, operational efficiencies, and use of low carbon fuels. Significant progress was made in advancing higher blends of renewable fuels, and hydrogen locomotive technology was deployed in both freight and passenger revenue services.
The 2023 report showcases the rail industry’s progress in reducing emissions while investing in the advancement of zero-emission and low-emission technologies. These investments help ensure rail remains the most fuel-efficient way to move freight and people over land.
Since 2005:
- Regional & shortline freight railways’ GHG emissions intensity has improved by 17.5%.
- Class 1 freight railways’ GHG emissions intensity has improved by 28.8%, while absolute GHG emissions have fallen by 8.9%.
- Intercity passenger railways’ GHG emissions intensity has improved by 34.2%.
- Criteria air contaminant emissions have also decreased sharply, including nitrogen oxides (–48.9%), particulate matter (–62.7%), and sulphur dioxide (–99.0%).
In 2023, throughout continued investments in fleet modernization, 88.7% of the locomotive fleet met an emissions standard and 93.2% were equipped with an anti-idling device.
The 2023 LEM report is the first report released under the 2023-2030 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RAC and Transport Canada, which was signed on December 5, 2023. This collaboration dates to 1995, when the first MOU was signed between railways and the federal government.
