US emission-reduction initiatives at risk

AAPA has highlighted a proposal by the US Trump Administration to cut the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget by 31% as part of overall cuts to federally funded, port-related programmes in the fiscal 2021 budget. EPA’s budget funds the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants, which would be slashed by 89% over FY’20 enacted levels.

“Proposed cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in President Trump’s FY’21 budget proposal could be detrimental to several programs, like the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants. DERA is a critical voluntary grant program to help address ad reduce diesel emissions in and around ports,” said the AAPA.

Ports use these grants for various purposes including Clean Truck programmes, retrofitting or replacing yard equipment, installing shore power for vessels at docks, and retrofitting dredges and tugs. These investments have resulted in reduced air emissions at ports and in surrounding communities.

70% of DERA funds are used for national competitive grants and rebates, with the remaining 30% allocated to the states.

Other EPA programmes at risk include the Healthy Communities Grant Programme and the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Grant Programme.

President Trump has recommended eliminating the Healthy Communities Grant Programme. It awarded US$250,000 in grants last year to address community resilience, environmental justice and sensitive populations.

The President has also recommended zero funding for the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Grant Programme. This provides grants for the use of alternative fuels and “smart” mobility systems to reduce petroleum consumption and improve energy efficiency.