ASLRRA Green Spark Award names Lake State Railway

The ASLRRA Green Spark Award has been awarded to Lake State Railway Co. (LSRC) as the 2026 recipient, an honor previously known as the Environmental Award.

ASLRRA officials said the annual award recognizes a short line or regional railroad for actions that reduce locomotive emissions, as reported by Progressive Railroading. Also, the announcement was shared yesterday in the association’s Views & News online article. In addition, LSRC will be honored at the ASLRRA annual conference, scheduled for April 12–14 in Minneapolis.

“LSRC’s accomplishments, both big and small, demonstrate a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations without compromising service and growth. Their effort truly shows size is no barrier to impact,” ASLRRA officials said of the railroad’s work.

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Fleet upgrades tied to lower locomotive emissions

Based in Saginaw, Michigan, LSRC operates 375 miles of track. Meanwhile, the short line recently purchased four SD70ACe-T4 locomotives from Progress Rail. ASLRRA officials said the purchase enabled LSRC to retire five locomotives that were more than 40 years old. ASLRRA said the acquisition transformed LSRC’s fleet into one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly in the short-line industry.

Technology changes across the LSRC locomotive fleet

Alongside the new power, LSRC has added automatic engine shut down/start up systems, auxiliary power units, and plug-in technology to its fleet. ASLRRA officials said these upgrades reduce fuel and engine maintenance costs. They also extend engine life and decrease emissions.

For example, the railroad uses waste oil to heat its locomotive facility in the winter, maintains a recycling program for waste materials, and disposes of used ties at a cogeneration facility.

EPA SmartWay Program and regulatory compliance work

LSRC is also a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program. ASLRRA officials said carrier partners use accounting and tracking tools to improve efficiency and environmental performance.

Separately, LSRC Chief Mechanical Officer Roger Fuehring works with the EPA to write regulatory compliance guides for railroads and advises the development of emissions regulations, ASLRRA officials said, helping to ensure they are effective and realistic for small railroads.

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