The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant investment in Guam's port infrastructure as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The Port Authority of Guam will receive $2,410,415 through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to support climate and air quality planning projects.
Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative aims to reduce diesel air pollution at U.S. ports while promoting well-paying union jobs. "While ports of course serve an essential role for moving goods, the costs that they bring in terms of pollution and impacts on overburdened communities must be confronted," said Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator.
The grant will facilitate various activities such as conducting a mobile emission inventory and updating the Net Zero Emissions Strategy. Other initiatives include preparing a workforce development plan and developing strategies to assess climate risks and vulnerabilities.
Ports are crucial for economic activity but also contribute significantly to diesel air pollution, affecting nearby communities' health. The Clean Ports Program is set to improve air quality by installing zero-emission technologies at ports across the nation.
In February 2024, the EPA introduced two funding opportunities aimed at deploying zero-emission equipment and supporting climate planning activities at U.S. ports. After evaluating numerous applications, 55 projects were selected to receive funding from this historic investment.
These projects will utilize funds for purchasing battery-electric and hydrogen-powered equipment including cargo handling equipment, drayage trucks, locomotives, vessels, shore power systems, and related infrastructure.
Initial estimates suggest these efforts could lead to reductions exceeding 3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over ten years. The program is expected not only to protect human health but also grow union jobs within the clean energy sector.
This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which seeks to deliver substantial benefits of federal investments to disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
EPA emphasizes community engagement as part of its program design, ensuring that local voices are considered in emissions reduction planning efforts.
Awardees will work closely with EPA officials over the coming months before entering project implementation phases lasting three to four years based on each project's scope.
For further details on selected applications under the Clean Ports Program or more information about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit relevant online resources provided by the agency.
