Federal Funding Targets Emission Reduction at U.S. Ports
Government officials have unveiled plans to allocate almost $150 million to tackle pollution caused by idling trucks at ports across the US.
The initiative will distribute $148 million in grants to 11 states including Puerto Rico. These funds aim to finance various projects to curb emissions from idling trucks at ports.
The projects funded by these grants will encompass a range of efforts. Some will involve replacing diesel-powered trucks with zero-emission counterparts and constructing infrastructure for truck charging. Others will concentrate on streamlining operations at ports to reduce waiting times for truckers, thereby minimizing idling.
This financial injection will enhance air quality for truck drivers, port personnel, and communities near ports.
Outlined below are specifics from the FHWA regarding several planned projects:
- California will receive $49.7 million for enhancements to various ports including Long Beach, Oakland, and Los Angeles. The funding will facilitate the replacement of diesel and gas trucks with zero-emission technologies, electric trucks, and EV chargers.
- Texas is slated to receive $26.9 million to improve the Port of Houston. This includes acquiring 30 new zero-emission, short-haul trucks and installing portable electric chargers for battery electric vehicle trucks. Additionally, funds will go towards implementing automated terminal operating systems to cut down on truck idling times.
- Georgia will benefit from $15.3 million towards upgrading the Port of Savannah. This involves establishing a large-scale charging project near the port, swapping out diesel trucks, and expanding the utilization of low-emission and zero-emission equipment.
- Florida will receive $10 million for the Talleyrand Marine Terminal in Jacksonville and the Port Everglades Terminal in Fort Lauderdale. This will support the replacement of diesel trucks and improvements to reduce truck idling time at the gates of the Seaboard Port of Miami.
- Louisiana is set to receive $7.1 million to procure 14 new all-electric heavy-duty terminal trucks and five light-duty pickup trucks. These will replace existing diesel vehicles, alongside upgrades to electrical infrastructure and the evaluation of new emissions-reducing equipment.
- New Jersey will receive $2.2 million to replace 20 diesel trucks with more efficient vehicles running on low-emitting propane fuel.
DOT Officials Weigh In
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented, “When truckers spend hours idling at ports, it’s bad for drivers, bad for supply chains, and bad for nearby communities that feel the brunt of more polluted air. The investments we are announcing today will save truck drivers time and money and help ports reduce congestion and emissions while making the air more breathable for workers and communities.”
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt added, “The projects funded under this program will improve the quality of life for workers and families impacted by pollution from idling trucks while building a clean-energy economy that combats climate change and makes our communities more resilient. Port-related trade is good for the economy — which is why we are pleased to announce this investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will make a real difference for people who live and work near ports.”
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