The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $1.8 million to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for climate and air quality enhancements in port operations. This grant, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, is intended to develop emissions reduction strategies and bolster infrastructure against climate-related risks.
The EPA selected the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for a Climate and Air Quality Planning Grant to create a baseline air emissions inventory and future emissions inventories for 2030/2050. The initiative will also focus on developing feasible emission reduction strategies and engaging stakeholders. The plan includes protecting infrastructure from climate vulnerabilities such as hurricanes.
Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, this effort aims to combat climate change, promote clean energy, and advance environmental justice by reducing diesel pollution at U.S. ports. It is also expected to create good-paying union jobs that contribute to the prosperity of American ports.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, “Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy.” He added that the investment aligns with President Biden’s vision of economic growth through globally competitive solutions while ensuring cleaner technologies reduce harmful pollution.
Ports play a significant role in the U.S. economy but contribute notably to diesel air pollution affecting nearby communities' health and exacerbating climate change. The announced funds will support installing zero-emission freight and ferry technologies across ports nationwide, cutting over 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution.
In February 2024, the EPA launched two funding opportunities for U.S. ports: a Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition for zero-emission equipment and infrastructure funding and a Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition for planning activities related to climate and air quality improvements.
Following an extensive review process, the EPA selected 55 applications from across the country for this historic investment based on workforce development efforts aligned with national goals for a zero-emission freight sector.
The selected projects involve various equipment used at ports with funding supporting battery-electric and hydrogen-powered equipment purchases along with necessary infrastructure like charging stations. Estimated reductions from new equipment include over 3 million metric tons of CO2 within ten years.
This program not only aims to protect human health but also seeks to enhance economic competitiveness through innovation in zero-emissions technology while fostering good-paying union jobs within domestic clean energy sectors.
EPA’s Clean Ports Program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which strives to allocate 40% of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities impacted by pollution. Community engagement was prioritized during project evaluations under this program which builds on past successful initiatives like EPA’s Ports Initiative.
Legal, statutory, and administrative requirements are being finalized before awards are granted with implementation anticipated over three or four years depending on each project's scope.
For further details about selected applications under the Clean Ports Program visit their website or follow EPA Region 2's social media pages for updates.