Gracie WarhurstThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $3 billion available through two grant programs to support zero-emission port infrastructure and climate initiatives in ports.
The competitive funding opportunities were announced this week, along with the newly created Clean Ports Program, which is designed to help ports across the country transition to fully zero-emissions operations.
The bulk of the money will be available through the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition, totaling $2.8 billion. Applicants who have projects dedicated to eco-friendly equipment or technology, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen infrastructure, and zero-emission vessels, can apply. The grant awards will be released in tiers to support underserved communities.
The Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition, worth approximately $150 million, will support climate and air quality planning projects at ports, including objectives to lower emissions.
“There’s an incredible array of new technologies that can make ports cleaner and greener, all while creating good-paying jobs and strengthening American supply chains,” National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said in a statement.
Both coastal and dry ports are characterized by diesel-fueled vehicles and machinery, which emit greenhouse gases that cause health problems and contribute to climate change. The program incentivizes emission reduction to shift industry practices and protect surrounding communities. Past EPA programs like the Ports Initiative and Diesel Emission Reduction Act have already funded over 200 port projects.
Funding for the two grants is open to port authorities, governments with port jurisdiction, air pollution control agencies and private entity partners. The deadline to apply is May 28.
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.
Photo by the Army Corps of Engineers.
