This initiative, part of President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, is the largest climate investment to date and aims to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure.
The program, a step toward environmental justice, seeks to reduce diesel pollution from U.S. ports and create well-paying jobs. The EPA has introduced two funding opportunities totaling nearly $3 billion. The Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition, with almost $2.8 billion, will support zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure. The Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition, with about $150 million, will fund climate and air quality planning activities.
Eligible recipients include port authorities, state, regional, local, or tribal agencies overseeing port authority, air pollution control agencies, and private entities in partnership with an eligible entity. The funds can be utilized for projects at water ports and facilities where goods transfer between rail cars and trucks.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced these funding opportunities at an event in Wilmington, North Carolina, emphasizing the crucial role of U.S. ports in job creation and economic growth.
The investment received praise from Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment, who highlighted the potential to save lives and transition ports to zero-emissions using clean technologies like electrification and hydrogen fuel cells.
However, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) expressed excitement about applying for federal investments while cautioning about potential challenges due to the nascent American supply chain for electric port equipment. The AAPA emphasized the importance of flexible sourcing rules and endorsed EPA's efforts to allow collaboration with allies.
Part of the Justice40 Initiative, the Clean Ports Program aims to direct 40% of federal climate and clean energy investments to communities burdened by pollution.