In an effort to alleviate the unequal effects on neighboring towns, the Biden administration initiated a $4 billion initiative to electrify U.S. ports and reduce heavy duty vehicle emissions.
The $3 billion Clean Ports Program and the $1 billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program, both of which aim to reduce pollution at ports and vehicle emissions close to ports, respectively, are being solicited for feedback, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is seeking information regarding the availability, cost, and functionality of zero-emission trucks, port machinery, electric charging stations, and other infrastructure.
Ali Zaidi, the National Climate Advisor for the White House, said the program is addressing \”pernicious pollution pumping through our port communities by making investments and setting standards that will spur a shift away from dirty diesel to clean, American-made technologies.\”
Zaidi pointed out that a sizable portion of emissions are caused by ports. They are concentrated areas of pollution, according to Zaidi. \”You can move faster toward centers of economic activity that are more productive and efficient, but we can reduce emissions at the same time.\”
The EPA finalized new clean air rules for heavy duty trucks earlier this year. They are eighty percent stricter than current requirements. According to the EPA, the regulation will save up to 2,900 premature deaths annually, 1.1 million kid absences from school, and $29 billion in net benefits by 2045.
Last week, the Senate voted 50-49 to invalidate regulations that would have substantially reduced the emissions from heavy-duty trucks that cause smog and soot.
The EPA put up new, drastic reductions to the medium- and heavy-duty tailpipe pollution limits in April.
People who live close to ports are aware that air pollution may be extremely bad because of the large number of trucks, cars, and ships that are used to transport goods into and out of ports.
Last week, California officials passed new rules mandating zero-emission standards for all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold in the state by 2036, as well as new reduced emission standards for locomotives. Garbage trucks and municipal buses must become zero emission by 2039, big rigs, local delivery trucks, and government fleets by 2035, and sleeper cab tractors and speciality vehicles must become zero emission by 2042.
