Michigan Tech Rail Transportation Program

Union Pacific has placed an order for 20 battery-electric locomotives for yard service.
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/up-announces-purchase-of-10-flxdrive-battery-electric-locomotives/?fbclid=IwAR2E1aSnEBXpcPpjltcbep7hWS4Gd0sEpYG8hlmtSKLzujVbEgEJgvT62Cc

Union Pacific orders 20 battery-electric locomotives for yard service (updated) - Trains OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific will purchase 20 battery-electric locomotives to test in yard service, the largest commitment to date for the technology by any rail operator. In separate announcements Friday, the railroad announced purchase of 10 Wabtec FLXdrive locomotives and 10 of Progress Rail’s...

Michigan Tech is now one of three universities involved in this new educational experience: Tracks to the Future.
https://www.progressiverailroading.com/railPrime/details/Tracks-to-the-Future-Three-universities-join-forces-to-attract-future-railroaders--65736?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=railprime-jan&utm_content=railprime-content&fbclid=IwAR2fZxAr6v2Glzo4AIT01Gi5Hm_rEWLmk4BXjONcR-h3RDfies4TEnoCyGc

Tracks to the Future: Three universities join forces to attract future railroaders - RailPrime | ProgressiveRailroading - Subscribe Today Three university rail transportation programs are teaming up to offer two weeks of summer sessions aimed at high-schoolers who are curious about the railroad business. 

Over $300,000 offered in grants to the EPA by the Cimarron Valley and Kansas DOT to reduce emissions:

Rail News - Kansas DOT awarded EPA grant to help short line reduce emissions. For Railroad Career Professionals Railroad industry news about: Cimarron Valley Railroa, CVR, Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. EPA, grant, Diesel Reduction Fuel Act grant. From the editors of Progressive Railroading Magazine

Union Pacific has installed PTC on their Big Boy, with plans for use on their other steam engines:

Rail News - Union Pacific applies PTC to 'Big Boy' steam locomotive. For Railroad Career Professionals Railroad industry news about: Union Pacific Railroad, Big Boy No. 4014, steam locomotive, positive train control, PTC. From the editors of Progressive Railroading Magazine

Hydrogen fuel-cell engines are being developed for future use in Southern California:

Rail News - SoCalGas to work with Sierra Northern Railway on hydrogen fuel-cell engine. For Railroad Career Professionals Railroad industry news about: Southern California Gas Company, SoCalGas, Sierra Northern Railway, Gas Technology Institute, GTI, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell engine, South Coast Air Quality Management District, SCAQMD. From the editors of Progressive Railroading Magazine

Labor shortages and industry bottlenecks are causing problems for recovery in the railroad industry: https://www.wsj.com/articles/shortage-of-railroad-workers-threatens-recovery-11626953584?st=rn743w9vj5nw8ew&reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter&mod=e2fb&fbclid=IwAR0e4rnUuXtKS6FeFaDgcXD260e5YQdU0Ru590aGqy4ZyUB9HM63btN2wY0

Shortage of Railroad Workers Threatens Recovery The crunch is contributing to a slowdown in the movement of chemicals, fertilizer and other products that threatens to disrupt factory operations and hinder a rebound from the pandemic.