TL/DR –
Biden-Harris administration is coming through with a $3 billion Clean Ports Program, serving up zero-emission equipment and infrastructures like they’re hotcakes. They’re about to turn ports — those pollution parties where diesel is always the uninvited guest — into clean, green, climate-fighting machines. With almost $2.8 billion funding for emission-killing tech and $150 million for climate and air quality planning, we’re seeing the Investing in America agenda truly put some coins into helping Mama Earth breathe better.
Biden-Harris Administration Introduces $3 Billion Clean Ports Program
The Biden-Harris administration brings to light the $3 billion Clean Ports Program. This initiative funds green technology and infrastructure at US ports with the aim to impulse zero-emission operations.
This program forms a part of Biden’s Investing in America agenda, with budget coming from the Inflation Reduction Act. This Act includes multiple provisions around climate change mitigation and incentives for clean energy projects.
The Clean Ports Program’s objective is to reduce diesel pollution within port communities. These areas, often clustered with heavy-duty diesel equipment, generate harmful air pollution that harms residents and contributes to climate change.
John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for international climate policy, commented that communities near ports often suffer the worst air pollution caused by shipping, trucking, and maritime industries. This historic announcement sees a crucial investment towards a cleaner and healthier future.
The Clean Ports Program includes two separate Notice of Funding Opportunities. The lion’s share ($2.8 billion) is set aside for the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition. This competition funds zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce emissions. It supports human-operated zero-emission cargo handling equipment, electric charging, and hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Meanwhile, $150 million goes towards the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition. This funding aids climate and air quality planning activities at US ports, such as emissions inventories, strategy analysis, and community engagement.
Eligible entities for the grant competitions include port authorities, state, regional, local or Tribal agencies with jurisdiction over a port, air pollution control agencies, and private entities partnered with an eligible entity. They can use the program’s funding for water ports and dry ports projects alike.
This initiative follows EPA’s Ports Initiative and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs, which invested over $196 million in 207 diesel emissions reduction projects at ports, and $88 million in multi-sector projects involving ports.
Original Story at www.environmentenergyleader.com
