from staff
CSX Transportation employee Don Robey became the company’s fifth winner of railroading’s highest environmental honor — the John H. Chafee Environmental Award. Robey was presented the award Thursday by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).
Robey was honored for his implementation of a horsepower reduction program that greatly reduces fuel consumption and locomotive emissions, while director of locomotive engineering.
“Don Robey has been widely recognized within the rail industry for his perseverance in locomotive fuel savings and air emission reductions,” said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the AAR. “This efficient technology has the potential to save an estimated 12,500,000 gallons of fuel in the next five years.”
This is the fifth time in eight years that a CSXT employee has won the John H. Chafee Award—a testament to the company’s strong culture and commitment to environmental principles. The Chafee Award highlights the environmental benefits of rail transportation, which provides an environmentally safe alternative to other modes of moving freight.
The AAR’s Chafee Award is named for U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee’s late father, who as a leading environmentalist understood and promoted the environmental advantages of rail transportation. The award, given each year by the AAR, recognizes an individual railroad employee who has demonstrated outstanding environmental performance in the area of environmental awareness and responsibility.
“Don embodies the spirit of environmental consciousness that CSXT strives to achieve,” said Ellen Fitzsimmons, CSX Corporation senior vice president for law and public affairs. “His leadership in reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency is an outstanding example of true environmental commitment.”
Robey led many teams at CSXT in support of several fuel saving initiatives resulting in lower locomotive emissions and increased fuel efficiency of the CSXT locomotive fleet. He has received two “Awards of Excellence” and five “Cut-Through-The-Knot” awards from CSXT for his relentless pursuit of technological and cost effective solutions, many of which remain in place today.