The Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly $40 million in investments for clean port initiatives in Connecticut. The funding is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Ports Program, which aims to deploy zero-emission equipment and infrastructure at ports nationwide.
Gateway Terminal, in partnership with the New Haven Port Authority and Enstructure New Haven Holdings, will receive approximately $34 million. This grant will be used to purchase zero-emission cargo handling equipment, install charging infrastructure, and develop solar energy systems. Diesel-powered equipment will be scrapped to reduce pollution, and training on electric equipment will be provided to workers.
The Connecticut Port Authority has been allocated over $5 million for a mobile shore power unit at the New London State Pier. This initiative aims to reduce diesel emissions by allowing docked vessels to connect to the local electric grid instead of using diesel engines.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated that this investment supports President Biden's vision of economic growth through cleaner technologies at U.S. ports. "Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby port communities," he said.
EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash highlighted the importance of these investments for economic growth while addressing pollution issues: "Whether it's deploying zero-emission equipment in Connecticut or planning the best path forward to a zero-emissions future in Maine or Massachusetts, these investments will improve the air we breathe."
Senator Richard Blumenthal praised the initiative as a win for both environment and economy: "This milestone investment will make our ports cleaner and healthier – using zero-emission equipment."
Senator Chris Murphy emphasized that replacing aging equipment with zero-emission alternatives would help achieve climate goals while maintaining operations smoothly: "By replacing aging, polluting equipment with cleaner, zero-emission alternatives, this $39 million in federal funding will help keep ports running smoothly."
Representative Rosa DeLauro expressed satisfaction with Gateway Terminals' plans: "In New Haven, Gateway Terminal will be using this funding to replace four aging diesel-powered cranes with all-electric machines."
Representative Joe Courtney noted that modernization efforts would keep New London State Pier competitive: "With this $5 million new federal investment funded by the Inflation Reduction Act...this upgrade will keep New London State Pier competitive with maritime industry."
Enstructure Co-CEOs Philippe De Montigny and Matthew Satnick described the grant as transformative for sustainable operations: "This transformative grant will accelerate our transition to clean electric-powered equipment."
Paul Whitescarver from Connecticut Port Authority acknowledged support from local partners: "Working together...this project will further modernize facility while decreasing emissions."
Overall, these grants are funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act aimed at combating climate change through clean energy solutions across various sectors including port facilities nationwide.
