Calportland makes big reduction in emissions with new railcar mover

ORO GRANDE — The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) this week helped another local business make a big dent in reducing emissions impacts to Mojave Desert air quality.

MDAQMD awarded a $339,948 grant to help CalPortland Cement in Oro Grande replace a 1987 Trackmobile with a 2019 Rail King RK330, effectively reducing emissions on average by more than 97% compared to the old equipment.

CalPortland officials received the grant and cut the ribbon on the new equipment during a ceremony Monday morning in Oro Grande which included MDAQMD Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer Brad Poiriez, Governing Board Members Jim Cox and Dawn Rowe, Don Holland representing Governing Board Member Robert Lovingood, and several key staff from CalPortland including Senior Vice President of Corporate Services Steve Regis.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to work with the Mojave Desert AQMD to win this grant,” Regis said. “It allows us to operate a new, modern rail car mover, directly replacing older equipment.”

The grant funding comes from AB 2766, which authorizes air districts to impose a vehicle registration fee — $4 in MDAQMD’s jurisdiction — to meet the new responsibilities mandated under the California Clean Air Act.

“We are happy to partner with any company in their efforts to reduce emissions and help us all breathe a little easier in the Mojave Desert,” Poiriez said. “It’s great to have leaders like CalPortland who are willing to work toward making a cleaner air environment for everyone.”