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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched a long-awaited funding round for zero-emissions port infrastructure and equipment. The EPA has begun seeking grants totaling $3 billion, funded by the Inflation Control Act, primarily to reduce emissions and diesel exhaust pollution.
Community interests are at the heart of program design. Applications for funding will be evaluated not only on their technical merit, but also on “the degree and quality of community involvement.”
“Communities near our nation’s ports are disproportionately affected by air pollution and other environmental hazards, and this funding will support the transition to a clean energy future,” said Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “This will help reduce emissions and create good-paying jobs.” .
The $2.8 billion in funding will go toward zero-emissions rolling equipment, port vessels, charging stations, hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and similar investments. In addition, he said, $150 million will go towards planning, research and community engagement.
This program is a significant expansion of EPA’s existing Port Initiative and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs. These efforts have invested approximately $290 million in projects that reduce diesel emissions, and the Clean Ports Program will increase that investment tenfold. Port authorities, air quality agencies, tribes, local governments, and public-private partnerships can apply for funding.
“America’s ports are charting a cleaner future with $50 billion worth of alternative energy projects planned and in need of funding. The industry is very excited to apply for federal investment.” exclaimed Cary Davis, CEO of the American Port Authority Association.
But Davis cautioned about the program’s Buy American requirements. He said stricter enforcement of procurement rules would slow progress because the United States’ own supply chain for port equipment is limited. Instead, he called for a program that would allow ports to buy electrical equipment from U.S. allies.
Clean air advocates also welcomed the EPA’s announcement.
“We applaud the U.S. EPA for announcing this important opportunity to fund zero-emission port facilities, infrastructure, and planning,” said Antonio Santos, director of the Pacific Environment and Commonwealth Office for Climate Policy. It is imperative that we protect our communities.” No more exposure to harmful air pollution. Historic investments under the Clean Ports Program will save lives and help move ports to a zero-emissions future. ”
Top image: Jaxport container ship (Jaxport/CC BY NC 2.0)
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