The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has launched a significant initiative to mitigate pollution from idling trucks at ports across the United States, with a substantial $148 million in grants. This funding effort is part of a larger $400 million commitment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at enhancing air quality around port facilities.
This first round of funding benefits 11 states along with Puerto Rico, supporting the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program. The projects funded are diverse and impactful, focusing on the implementation of zero- or low-emission vehicles and the necessary infrastructure to support them. Not only are these efforts expected to improve the environment, but they also aim to reduce operational costs for truck drivers and alleviate congestion at port sites.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these grants, noting their role in making the air cleaner for both workers at the ports and the surrounding communities. He highlighted that the communities living near ports often suffer from poorer air quality due to emissions from numerous idling trucks.
Among the funded projects:
- California is set to receive the largest portion of the funding, with $49.7 million allocated for the Ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and Los Angeles. This funding will be used primarily for replacing diesel trucks with electric models and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
- Texas will get $26.9 million for introducing 30 zero-emission trucks and portable electric chargers at the Port of Houston.
- Georgia’s Port of Savannah is granted $15.3 million to develop a charging project and transition from diesel to cleaner truck options.
- Florida will benefit from $10 million to upgrade trucks at the Talleyrand Marine Terminal in Jacksonville and the Port Everglades Terminal in Fort Lauderdale, alongside initiatives to reduce idling times in Miami.
- Louisiana is set to enhance its fleet with $7.1 million funding for 14 electric trucks and five environmentally friendly pickup trucks.
- New Jersey will use $2.2 million to replace 20 diesel trucks with greener alternatives.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasized that the projects funded by these grants are vital for not just improving public health but also for forging a sustainable, clean-energy economy. The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards combating climate change and enhancing resilience in communities affected by port-related pollution.
This strategic allocation of funds demonstrates a robust federal commitment to tackling environmental challenges associated with the trucking and transportation sectors, particularly in areas where the local population is directly affected by such issues.
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