EPA grants $3 billion for US ports to reach zero emission operations- Washington Examiner

The EPA selected 55 applicants across 27 states to receive almost $3 billion in funding through its Clean Ports Program. The program, announced earlier this year, would cover the cost of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure.

The agency said ports’ ability to achieve zero-emission operations will help address the public health and environmental effects on surrounding communities, as ports can pollute the air and water.

“Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.

He added, “Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to US ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”

Through key environmental legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden administration has sought to provide funding in different economic sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Ports Program received funding from the IRA.

The agency said funding for the selected applicants will help purchase battery-electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. It will also cover the cost of 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels.

The new equipment is estimated to reduce tailpipe emissions by over 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the first 10 years. Jennifer Macedonia, EPA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Implementation, told reporters that the agency will look for applicants to report their emissions reductions.

The funding includes $145,658,479 million for the Maryland Port Administration to purchase zero-emission cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks.

The government is also granting $344,138,135 to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to work with partners to implement its project, Catalyzing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future. The Detroit and Wayne County Port Authority will also receive about $21,905,782 for battery-electric cargo handling equipment, vessels, railcar movers, charging equipment, and solar arrays.

Meanwhile, the agency said the funding will also contribute to the port’s climate resilience from extreme weather.

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“We know that our nation’s ports will be facing some of the impacts of climate change,” Macedonia said. She cited that Baltimore Port’s application is planning climate-resilient infrastructure to protect the port from extreme weather and rising sea from climate change.

The EPA will award the grants in December and January. The implementation will occur in the next three to four years, depending on the scope of the project.