US$2m has been allocated to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace up to 80 model year 2006 and older short-haul trucks that service its marine terminals.
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant will foster the replacement of older drayage trucks with 2013 and newer trucks and will reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. Truckers will be offered up to 50% of the cost to scrap and replace each vehicle up to US$25,000.
“The Truck Replacement program is another example of how we are successfully partnering with the private sector by helping support businesses even as we clean up the environment,” said EPA regional administrator Pete Lopez.
“Pollution from diesel engines is linked to asthma, respiratory problems, heart attacks and is especially dangerous to children and the elderly. Reducing air pollution from diesel engines has enormous health benefits that translates directly into fewer hospitalizations and less missed days of work and school. Replacing old dirty trucks with newer ones makes a significant difference in areas around Port Authority facilities.”
EPA expects this grant to result in emission reductions of 49.5t of nitrogen oxides, 16.5t of carbon monoxide and 2.15t of fine particulates per year.
