EPA's clean ports program puts shore power in spotlight

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a $3 billion Clean Ports Program, with a key focus on shore power infrastructure, to address the climate crisis and improve air quality in port areas in the US.

PHOTO: Aerial view of the Port of Los Angeles in the US. Getty Images

Authorised under the Inflation Reduction Act, this $3 billion initiative is an extension of the ongoing Ports Initiative, aimed at addressing public health and environmental concerns in communities adjacent to ports.

Eligible projects can now apply for funding through two recently released Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).

Shore power infrastructure for marine vessels is highlighted as a key project cost under the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment NOFO, an EPA spokesperson told ENGINE. Projects that seek to use 50% of the funding to develop shore power infrastructure will receive preferential consideration for funding, the EPA said.

Applications for Clean Ports funding are open until 28 May, with the evaluation process aiming for equitable fund distribution across US ports of varying sizes and serving diverse communities, including tribal populations.

“Communities like Seattle, New York and New Jersey illustrate the struggle to address a legacy of environmental injustices while transitioning to a clean energy economy,” Senior Ports and Freight Campaigner for climate group Friends of the Earth Terrance Bankston said.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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