EPA announces air quality funding

Available under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) programme, the funds can be used to clean up diesel engine port fleets – including drayage trucks, marine engines, locomotives and cargo handling equipment.

As well as providing funding, the programme also seeks to build relationships with port stakeholders to promote ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from port operations.

Community groups, local governments, terminal operators, shipping carriers and other business entities are encouraged to participate through partnerships with eligible port authorities.Priority will be given to ports located in areas with poor air quality.

The problem is that most ports are located next to busy metropolitan areas which can expose people to high levels of emissions which are linked to health problems such as asthma and heart disease.

The EPA says that this funding will help solve some of the complex issues of air quality in ports and help to significantly reduce diesel emissions providing health benefits as well as becoming more environmnetally friendly.

The closing date for receipt of proposals is 13 February 2014. More information on grant funding is available from the EPA