At the Railroad Environmental Conference, the industry recognized the longstanding work of three railroaders to advance sustainability and environmental responsibility. The three honorees are Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Josh Raglin, Union Pacific’s (UP) Christi Hornick, and the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) Robert Fronczak.
“While rail has long been one of the most environmentally responsible ways to move freight, the industry will never stop striving to increase efficiency and reduce potential impacts,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Behind that mission to create a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow are tireless, thoughtful railroaders like the three we honor today. Collectively, they have built a legacy of excellence and helped embed stewardship across both the industry and their individual organizations that will continue to grow long into the future.”
Norfolk Southern – Josh Raglin
With 25 years of service at Norfolk Southern, Chief Sustainability Officer and trained wildlife biologist Joshua B. Raglin has built a remarkable career of leadership and service. Raglin has taken innovative approaches to inject sustainability across his railroad’s operations and business practices, including the issuance earlier this year of $500 million in green bonds to fund railroad investments that benefit the environment, a first for rail in North America. As NS sets its sight on long-term emissions reductions, Raglin was instrumental in establishing science-based targets – reducing the railroad’s scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity 42% per million gross ton-miles by 2034 from a 2019 base year. Raglin’s impact stretches beyond just NS operations thanks to his work with its marketing team to design tailored solutions that help customers reduce their own emissions by choosing rail. Since beginning his career managing the Brosnan Forest 14,405-acre woodlands preserve in Dorchester, S.C., where he helped restore longleaf pine habitat and red-cockaded woodpeckers, Raglin has been a driving force to advance conservation programs, including the Trees to Trains Initiative, the world’s largest reforestation project.
Union Pacific – Christi Hornick
Since joining Union Pacific in 1991, General Manager – Environmental Management Christi Hornick has become UP’s most trusted voice and resource on environmental and conservation efforts. Hornick has spearheaded significant efforts to enhance air quality and mitigate operational impacts near railyards with a specific focus on the North Platte Railyard – the world’s largest classification yard. At North Platte, the railroad was able to meet and exceed Clean Air Act obligations thanks to Hornick’s work. She also orchestrated the railroad’s first voluntary agreement in California with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which led to vital inspections and locomotive maintenance to eliminate excessive visible emissions. As a key architect of UP’s environmental management and reporting systems, Hornick has translated big picture regulatory obligations into day-to-day actions that foster a sense of responsibility and accountability spanning from management to locomotive and car shops.
Association of American Railroads – Robert Fronczak
Robert “Bob” Fronczak is known as one of the most trusted, thoughtful leaders on railroad hazardous materials, environmental affairs and regulatory issues as the Association of American Railroads’ Assistant Vice President – Environment & Hazmat. Before joining AAR in 1994, Fronczak began his career in 1979 at the Milwaukee Road where he helped build the ground floor of rail environmental awareness and compliance. Beyond ensuring regulatory compliance at Milwaukee, Fronczak even served as an active responder to derailments when hazardous materials were spilled. After supporting railroads in various outside roles, Fronczak returned to the industry to support its work to protect the environment and prevent potential impacts by improving the safe, reliable shipment of hazardous materials. Through his leadership with the tank car committee, railroads fought for and secured tougher tank car standards, which have helped lower hazmat release rates by 64% since 2000. Fronczak was also instrumental in the development of the AskRail app, which puts timely, accurate information on safely managing a rail incident at first responders’ fingertips. He has also helped railroads protect both the planet and their business through his work on issues such as stormwater permitting and diverting crossties from landfills through cogeneration.
