The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a nearly $250 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to the Clean Corridor Coalition, led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This grant aims to implement community-driven solutions addressing climate change, reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and accelerating the clean energy transition along Interstate 95.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to address climate change and promote environmental justice along Interstate 95,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The nearly $250 million grant to the Clean Corridor Coalition will not only reduce harmful emissions along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors but will also help create jobs and produce health benefits for every community along I-95.”
New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette expressed gratitude for federal support: “We thank the Biden-Harris Administration and our federal partners at the EPA for supporting the Murphy Administration’s commitment to a zero-emissions future that combats climate change and protects public health.” He added that this funding is crucial for developing truck charging infrastructure and catalyzing zero-emission freight movement in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Representative Andy Kim (NJ-03) emphasized New Jersey's leadership in clean energy: “Building out New Jersey’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure helps our state lead the way in clean energy, green jobs, and securing a more secure and sustainable future.”
Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee, highlighted his role in authoring the Inflation Reduction Act: "This $248.9 million grant...is a huge step toward cutting greenhouse gas emissions and boosting clean energy infrastructure along the I-95 corridor."
Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) praised EPA's decision: “As one of the most densely populated states in the nation, it’s critical that [New Jersey] continues to reduce vehicle emissions and pollution.”
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) celebrated this investment: “The nearly $250 million dedicated to supporting renewable energy-driven commerce along I-95 will not only help us reduce carbon emissions...but strengthen our local economies [and] create well-paying jobs.”
The Clean Corridor Coalition includes partnerships with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Delaware Department of Transportation, Maryland Departments of Environment and Transportation. The project focuses on deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on I-95. NJDEP will also provide technical assistance for workforce development across multiple states.
EPA selected projects through a competitive process reviewing nearly 300 applications nationwide requesting almost $33 billion in funding. The chosen projects are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 148 million metric tons by 2030.
These grants align with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aiming to ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from federal investments in climate action. They support technologies reducing greenhouse gases while fostering economic growth through new industries and job training programs.
EPA anticipates announcing an additional $300 million under this program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories soon.
