The Biden administration launched a $3 billion program Wednesday to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions at U.S. ports, in a move that could particularly benefit low-income communities living near industrialized harbors.
Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the program will support zero-emissions vessels, electric charging stations and other technologies at coastal and inland ports as well as at rail and truck hubs known as “dry ports.”
The money is in the form of competitive grants for which port authorities, state agencies and other entities can apply. While the vast majority of funds will advance carbon-free technologies, a small portion will also support the creation of emissions inventories and other tools to monitor air pollution, EPA said.
“Our nation’s ports are among the busiest in the world, helping us to create good jobs here in America, move goods, and grow our economy,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “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.
