Ports, port operators, and local agencies across the country are currently implementing 53 projects totaling nearly $3 billion under the EPA’s Clean Ports Program. The projects will fund clean port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports located in 26 states and territories. Project implementation will occur over the next three to four years depending on the scope of each project.
This new funding program was built on the EPA Ports Initiative, which helps our nation’s ports - a critical part of our infrastructure and supply chain - address public health and environmental impacts.
The goals of the Clean Ports Program are to:
- Build a foundation for the port sector to continue to make progress in reducing air pollution from operations, positioning ports to lead on air quality improvements across the freight sector.
- Reduce diesel pollution in and around ports.
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Help ensure that meaningful stakeholder engagement and emissions reduction planning become a part of port industry standard practices.
Key Things to Know
- The Clean Ports Program grants fall under two funding opportunities:
- The Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition funds climate and air quality planning activities at U.S. ports to build the capacity of port stakeholders to continue to reduce pollution over time.
- The Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition funds zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions at U.S. ports, delivering cleaner air for communities across the country.
- Funds will support climate and air quality planning and directly reduce air pollution through the purchase of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered port equipment. The projects include over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels, as well as shore power systems and solar power generation.
- The program builds on efforts to improve air quality at ports through the EPA Ports Initiative and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs, which previously invested over $196 million to implement 207 diesel emissions reduction projects at ports and an additional $88 million to multi-sector projects that involve ports.
- Through the innovation, installation, and maintenance of clean equipment and infrastructure, along with workforce engagement and training programs, the Clean Ports Program will create new, high-quality and good-paying jobs in the domestic energy sector and enhance the U.S.’s economic competitiveness.
- Funds will bolster America’s industrial base, protect national security, and support American jobs through compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act, which requires the use of American-made iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials.
- The awards will implement advanced technologies to modernize port infrastructure to reduce emissions while also improving safety and efficiency in the movement of goods and passengers.
- Awards made for this program will improve air quality in near-port communities where people live, work, and play. Over half of the grants have a primary place of performance in communities experiencing poor air quality. All recipients will be required to engage with near-port stakeholders about the project.