### Transitioning Ports to Cleaner Technologies: A Path to Mitigating Air Pollution
As global challenges like climate change and air pollution persist, shipping ports—which predominantly utilize diesel-powered machinery and support substantial freight traffic—have become a focus of scrutiny. To confront these pressing environmental issues, the U.S. government is allocating billions to transition ports from diesel-dependent equipment to innovative, cleaner technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered machinery. This transition is anticipated to substantially lower carbon emissions and enhance air quality in communities adjacent to ports, many of which are already facing heightened pollution burdens.
#### Shifting from Diesel Equipment to Hydrogen and Electric Alternatives
The Biden administration has recently unveiled a $3 billion initiative via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports program. Supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, this program aims to phase out diesel-powered apparatus at U.S. ports in favor of electric and hydrogen-powered options. The transition is projected to decrease carbon emissions, enhance air quality, and lessen the health risks posed by pollution in surrounding communities.
The initiative will fund the replacement of diesel-powered items such as forklifts, cranes, trucks, and even boats with more eco-friendly options. Moreover, the allocation will facilitate the installation of clean energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures, as well as feasibility analyses for green hydrogen fuel hubs.
#### Benefits for Midwest Ports
Numerous Midwestern states, including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, will secure over $200 million in funding to aid in the transition to cleaner port technologies. These states are home to ports along the Great Lakes, vital for shipping and commerce. The financial support will contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of these ports, which frequently serve disadvantaged communities grappling with elevated pollution levels.
For instance, the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority in Michigan is set to receive $25 million to acquire electric forklifts, cranes, and boat engines, as well as to set up solar arrays and EV charging stations. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority in Ohio will each obtain around $95 million to spearhead similar projects.
#### Cutting Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution
According to the EPA, the Clean Ports initiative is projected to decrease carbon pollution by over 3 million metric tons in the upcoming decade, which is akin to eliminating 600,000 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads. Furthermore, the initiative aims to curtail emissions of nitrous oxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—both harmful to human health—by 10,000 metric tons and 180 metric tons, respectively.
These reductions hold particular significance for nearby communities, which often suffer from elevated air pollution due to diesel machinery and heavy truck traffic. For example, Southwest Detroit, where the Port of Detroit is located, ranks among Michigan’s most polluted regions. Residents consistently contend with soot and other harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory ailments and additional health complications.
Raquel Garcia, a community advocate in Southwest Detroit, has been a long-time proponent of improving air quality in her area. She voiced her hopefulness regarding the new funding, acknowledging that while it may not fully resolve the city’s pollution issues, it marks a substantial advancement in the right direction.
#### Advancements in Cleaner Technologies for a Healthier Tomorrow
The Clean Ports program plans to support the acquisition of over 1,500 cargo-handling units, 1,000 heavy-duty trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 seafaring vessels—powered by electricity or green hydrogen. These technologies are not just cleaner; they are anticipated to become more cost-effective as production increases in the years ahead.
Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority, pointed out the long-lasting advantages of these investments. Although the initial expense of electric and hydrogen-powered machinery is higher than that of diesel options, the long-term savings on maintenance and fuel—coupled with the environmental benefits—render them a sound investment.
In Cleveland, the port authority has set a goal to slash its carbon emissions by approximately 1,000 metric tons each year, equating to around 40% of its existing emissions. The port will also install solar panels and battery storage to energize its largest warehouse, establishing a microgrid that permits idling ships and cargo-handling equipment to utilize renewable energy instead of diesel-generating sources.
#### Tackling Environmental Justice Issues
The Clean Ports initiative also targets environmental justice concerns. Many U.S. ports are situated near low-income communities and communities of color, which bear a disproportionate burden of air pollution. The EPA has classified these regions as “disadvantaged communities,” indicating that they encounter greater environmental hazards and have limited means to tackle these challenges.
For instance, in Detroit, around 10,000 trucks traverse through the port each day, exacerbating the region’s poor air quality. The new funding is set to diminish emissions in these neighborhoods, thereby enhancing residents’ health and overall quality of life.
Garcia, who leads
