The John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award was presented last night to Union Pacific's Michael Iden, one of six nominees for the award. Named for the late senator from Rhode Island, the award is given annually to a railroad employee who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to environmental stewardship. A 38-year veteran of the railroad industry, Iden has helped pioneer over 40 new fuel-efficiency improvement and emissions-reduction technologies, from battery technology in locomotives to reducing friction on rails and aerodynamic drag from double stack trains. He has played a key role in the development of emissions reduction technologies like ultra-low emitting locomotives, which at UP have reduced fuel consumption by 5.8 million gallons and eliminated 1,670 tons of oxides of nitrogen, 55 tons of particulate matter, and 65,500 tons of carbon dioxide. Learn more about Mike and the other nominees.