EPA's Clean Ports Program: Funding Zero-Emission Projects for Economic Growth and Environmental Protection
Key Ideas
- EPA's Clean Ports Program, funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, will support 55 zero-emission projects nationwide to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.
- The Gateway Terminal and the Connecticut Port Authority in New Haven will receive nearly $40 million to deploy zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, including cargo handling equipment, shore power units, and solar generation.
- The projects aim to reduce diesel emissions, promote good-paying jobs, engage local communities in the implementation process, and advance environmental justice by improving air quality for port workers and nearby residents.
- U.S. Senators and Representatives have lauded the grants, emphasizing the significance of cleaner technologies in ports for economic growth, public health benefits, and progress towards climate goals.
The U.S. EPA, in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, announced the selection of Gateway Terminal and the Connecticut Port Authority in New Haven to receive funding through the Clean Ports Program. The grants, totaling nearly $40 million, will support the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and promote good-paying jobs. The projects include purchasing and deploying zero-emission cargo handling equipment, installing charging infrastructure, rooftop solar generation, and battery energy storage systems. The initiatives aim to reduce diesel emissions at the ports and surrounding areas, engage the local workforce in training on all-electric equipment, and involve the community in project implementation.
The investments, funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, mark a significant step towards advancing environmental justice by improving air quality for port workers and nearby communities. The grants will also support the transition to cleaner technologies in ports, contributing to a healthier environment and creating opportunities for economic growth. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the importance of delivering cleaner technologies to U.S. ports to reduce harmful air and climate pollution.
Various U.S. Senators and Representatives, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, and Representative Rosa DeLauro, commended the grants for their role in reducing diesel emissions, improving public health, and creating good-paying jobs. The projects in New Haven and New London will replace aging diesel-powered equipment with zero-emission alternatives, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for residents. The initiatives also align with the goal of achieving climate targets while enhancing economic development in the region.
Topics
Power
Clean Energy
Climate Change
Job Creation
Economic Growth
Community Engagement
Environmental Protection
Public Health
Federal Funding
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