As part of a nearly $3 billion round of funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, the Garden State is set to receive about $400 million in grants.

The funding comes via the Inflation Reduction Act. It aims to support the deployment of zero-emission equipment, along with infrastructure, climate and air-quality planning projects at ports.

The awards include:

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: $344.1 million
  To work with five collaborating partners to implement its proposed Catalyzing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future, which includes the deployment of electric cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks with supporting charging infrastructure
• Atlantic Highlands-headquartered Seastreak LLC: $54.9 million
  Toward deploying high-speed, zero-emission ferries for service between New Jersey and New York City; the project also includes deployment of shore power electrical equipment infrastructure with integrated battery energy storage system as well as the establishment of a community stakeholder group and collaboration with educational institutions and industry groups to advance training, workforce development and technology awareness

“Ports are essential to moving and bringing us goods that we depend on, but they are also sources of air and climate pollution impacting the surrounding communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia. “By advancing zero-emission technologies, we are tackling air pollution head-on while creating good-paying jobs that support local economies and families. This tremendous investment demonstrates EPA’s commitment to environmental and climate justice, and economic opportunity while also ensuring that our port communities can breathe cleaner air.”

New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said there is no overstating the importance of the Clean Ports Program here in New Jersey.

“Our state is home to the fourth largest container port in the country and the largest on the East Coast, hauling in over 100 million tons of cargo each year,” he said. “The electrification of port equipment and infrastructure is a vital component in the state’s clean energy goals and will lead to meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants to improve air quality in overburdened communities in Newark and Elizabeth.”

What the awardees are saying:

“We appreciate the recognition and support from our government and community partners to ensure the critical work at the Port of New York and New Jersey is accomplished with an eye toward the future,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This funding will reverberate well beyond the docks, allowing us to work together with nearby communities to ensure that the busiest port on the East Coast sets a new standard for collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.”

“The cargo moved here radiates out across the country, but it would not be possible without the collaboration of the port community,” said Bethann Rooney, port director at the Port Authority. “Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice as we look to maximize the impact of every dollar to deliver cleaner air, new equipment, and a port that leads the way on sustainability and community engagement.”

“Seastreak is committed to being the one of the most environmentally friendly passenger ferry operators in the country,” said James Barker, vice president, Sales & Marketing, at Seastreak. “High-speed electric ferry technology is a new and quickly evolving space. With this grant, we are excited to contribute to a new frontier in maritime technology while continuing our efforts to improve air quality within the communities we serve.”

More than cutting pollution

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th District, House Energy and Commerce ranking member, said that bringing these federal dollars back to the Garden State means cleaner air, less traffic on the busiest routes, and a long-term boost for communities like Highlands.

“This project is about more than cutting dangerous pollution; it’s about strengthening our local economy and supporting sustainable transit solutions that benefit residents and businesses alike,” said Pallone about the Seastreak project. “Projects like this put New Jersey on the cutting edge of homegrown, clean energy.”

“The EPA’s historic investment through its Clean Ports Program to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Seastreak LLC, the ferry company that runs between NJ and NYC, will support infrastructure modernization, the creation of new jobs, and environmental sustainability,” said U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th District. “It’s a huge win to the region from every angle and a testament to the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Seastreak’s commitment to the fight against climate change.”

Officials held a press conference in Newark to mark the funding, which you can check out below:

See also:

• Port operators, dockworkers union will return to bargaining table
• Zeem makes big bet on fleet electrification in NJ