29 February 2024 (Lloyd's List) - THE BIDEN-HARRIS administration has announced a $3bn Clean Ports Program aimed at curbing US port emissions and kickstarting a green shift in the transportation sector.
The US Environmental Protection Agency will make $2.8bn in funding opportunities available for zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure under the programme, while $150 will be allocated for climate and air quality planning activities at US ports.
“Today’s historic funding announcement reflects President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in creating globally competitive solutions of the future,” EPA administration Michael S. Regan said in a statement announcing the programme.
“Today we’re making $3 billion available to install cleaner and more efficient technologies while cutting air pollution to protect the people who work at and live near ports.”
The American Association of Port Authorities, which lobbied the EPA “extensively” on behalf of its members, welcomed the programme but warned of potential regulatory roadblocks.
“The industry is beyond thrilled to apply for federal investments via EPA's Clean Ports Program, and our sincere ‘thank you’ goes to everyone at the agency, which deserves credit for responding to most of our industry concerns in their program design,” chief executive Cary Davis said in a statement.
“However, strict enforcement of equipment procurement rules will hamper the program because the American supply chain for electric port equipment is just not mature. We strongly support EPA’s efforts to allow for sourcing from our allies because it is ultimately great for growing a prosperous America.”
The funding opportunities were created under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the US’ largest-ever climate investment bill.
According to the statement, the programme is designed to “help ports across the country transition to fully zero-emissions operations — serving as a catalyst for transformational change across the freight sector.”
Funding under the $2.8bn port infrastructure and equipment competition include “human-operated and maintained zero-emission cargo handling equipment, harbor craft and other vessels, electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and a number of other technology investments.”
The programme earned praise from environmental groups, with Pacific Environment stating the “historic” investments will “save lives and help transition ports to a zero-emissions future.”
“We applaud the US EPA for announcing this momentous opportunity to fund zero-emission port equipment, infrastructure, and planning at US ports,” Pacific Environment’s federal climate policy director Antonio Santos said in a statement.
“The $3 billion in funding will move ports off of fossil fuels and instead use clean technologies like electrification and hydrogen fuel cells. It is imperative that we protect port workers and frontline communities from further exposure to harmful air pollution.”
