Choo-choosing cleaner air

The California Northern Railroad Co., a 260-mile short-line railroad that transports construction material, and agricultural and other food products in the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Napa valleys, was recently recognized for its efforts to minimize emissions and noise along routes, according to a press release.

The company was honored with the 2011 Clean Air Champion Business Award by Breathe California, an organization that works to fight lung disease and advocates for clean air. The railroad was selected for its recent addition of six energy-efficient, low-noise locomotives, which reduce emissions by 80 percent and fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.

The Davis-based company is managed by RailAmerica Inc., which operates 43 freight railroads in the United States and Canada.