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About the EPA
Ports Initiative
EPA's Ports Initiative works in collaboration with the port industry, communities, and all levels of government to improve environ-mental performance and increase economic prosperity. This effort helps people living and working near ports across the country breathe cleaner air and live better lives. EPA is considering recom-mendations from the Clean Air Act Advisory
 Committee and others to guide the development of this program.
February 2018  (Vol. 3, Ed. 1)
Ports Initiative Newsletter

  
Featured News:

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Quick Ports Stats
EPA estimates that approximately 39 million people in the United States currently live in close proximity to ports. These people can be exposed to air pollution associated with emissions from diesel engines at ports which can contribute to significant health problems. Many ports and port-related corridors are also located in areas with a high percentage of low income and minority populations who are therefore disproportionately impacted by higher levels of diesel emissions. For further information go to National Port Strategy Assessment. 
 seattle
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Receives EPA Funding to Reduce Air Emissions 
Vessel Owner Incentives to Replace Old Diesel Engines 

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency received EPA grant funding to provide incentives to replace old diesel engines on vessels through its Puget Sound Harbor Replacement Program. The program provides long-lasting emission reductions and public health benefits to a region whose air quality is significantly impacted by the large heavy-duty diesel fleet.

Project Highlights
  • Replacement of 12-19 old Tier-0 Engines on six to eight tug and work boats, and excursion vessels with newer, more-efficient, and lower-emission "Tier 3" engines
  • Vessels operate in Puget Sound, the Duwamish River, Lake Washington and Lake Union
  • Funding - $650,000 through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Clean Diesel National Grant Program. Matching funding of $891,000 for total project funding of $1,541,000
Air Emissions Reductions

Significant air emission reductions of the following pollutants will be achieved by the project.
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  • Hydrocarbons (HC)
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
This project will contribute to achieving the emissions reduction goals set by the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. 

The project is part of the National Clean Diesel Campaign that supports the West Coast Collaborative, a partnership among federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, and environmental groups committed to reducing diesel emissions along the West Coast.

POLA
Port of Los Angeles Equipment and Infrastructure Enhancements
Off-Road Heavy Duty Equipment and Infrastructure Enhancements Improves Air Quality

Cargo handling equipment at the Port of Los Angeles is a major contributor of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in the South Coast Air Basin of California. 

The Port of Los Angeles has improved air quality though many projects as noted below.

Electric Crane Project
  • A new electric crane in 2017 replacing a 1987 diesel ship-loading crane
  • Outcome -  Reduction of air emissions by 100%, and noise reduction
  • PM2.5 reductions equivalent to taking 3,400 heavy-duty trucks off the road
  • Funding - Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grant of $1.3 million

Watch a video on the Electric Crane Project
 

Shore Power
  • Installed at 10 berths
  • Outcome - Reduction of diesel emissions from vessels while at port
  • Funding - $23.5 million from California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Other Cargo Handling Equipment Projects
  • Sixteen yard tractor replacements with Tier 4 models
  • Two heavy lift repowers
  • Demonstration Projects - diesel electric hybrid rubber tired gantry crane, and two electric yard tractors
  • Many other clean diesel projects
  • Funding - $18 million in DERA grants, $16 million from private and public partners, and $25 million from CARB
Read more about the Ports of Los Angeles equipment and infrastructure enhancements on EPA's Port Initiative website.