The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration recently announced the first round of applications for a $400 million grant program aimed at reducing truck air pollution at U.S. ports.
According to a news release, the funding, which focuses on port electrification and efficiency improvements, will be used for projects that reduce emissions from idling trucks at the nation's ports, affecting the air quality for surrounding communities, truck drivers, and port workers.
The Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program aims to modernize and update the port system, while reducing the impact of truck emissions on neighboring communities. The funding is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to marginalized, underserved and overburdened communities.
“When truckers spend hours idling at ports, it costs them time, takes money out of their pockets, and pollutes the air in nearby communities,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, according to the release. “The investments we are announcing will save truck drivers time and money, help ports reduce congestion and emissions, and deliver better air quality for workers and communities alike.”
Eligible project activities include: reducing truck congestion within or adjacent to ports, developing port-related infrastructure that reduces emissions and the use of zero or low-emissions powertrains or fuels on trucks.
“This new competitive grant program will modernize and update our nation’s port system by helping to combat a notorious source of air pollution,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, according to the release. “Reducing the impact that truck emissions have on neighboring communities will help improve the health and well-being of port workers, truck drivers and families who live nearby.”
The program complements the Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program, which provides grants to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of the movement of goods through ports.
