The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will receive $1 million as part of the Clean Ports Program. This funding is aimed at climate and air quality planning in line with the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
MaineDOT plans to use this grant to explore the feasibility of deploying shore power for cruise and cargo vessels, as well as electrifying port equipment across several ports in Maine, including Portland, Eastport, Searsport, and Rockland. The initiative includes developing emissions inventories, conducting emissions reduction strategy analyses, and scenario analyses to estimate potential emissions reductions. The program also seeks to engage community and workforce stakeholders throughout its planning process.
The grants are funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which represents a significant investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy. "Our nation's ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. He emphasized that the $3 billion investment aligns with President Biden's vision for economic growth through globally competitive solutions.
EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash highlighted the importance of ports to local economies while acknowledging their role in pollution: "Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are helping to ensure that our New England ports remain strong drivers of economic growth."
U.S. Senator Angus King noted that outdated port equipment contributes significantly to diesel air pollution: "We owe it to our freight workers...to curb this pollution through smart, responsible solutions." U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree added that this investment supports Maine's leadership in sustainable solutions.
The funds aim not only to improve air quality but also promote good-paying jobs by supporting zero-emission technologies at U.S. ports. Over 55 projects have been selected nationwide following a rigorous review process focusing on workforce development efforts.
Initial estimates suggest significant reductions in CO2 emissions from new zero-emission equipment installations over ten years. These efforts are expected not only to protect human health but also grow union jobs within the domestic clean energy sector.
The Clean Ports Program is part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for equitable distribution of federal investments' benefits among disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
