USA Environmental protection: "Clean Ports Programme" worth billions

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a €2.8 billion programme for clean ports. The programme aims to invest in zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to help tackle the climate crisis and improve air quality.

Overview "Inflation Reduction Act". Source: USA/White House

Decarbonisation

The climate investment aims to reduce pollution from fossil fuels in US port logistics and replace it with clean technologies such as electrification and hydrogen fuel cells. At the same time, port workers and the population are to be protected from harmful air pollution and well-paid jobs are to be created, including jobs that do not require a university degree.

This programme was launched by the Biden administration in 2022 as part of the "Inflation Reduction Act", a subsidy programme for manufacturing in North America. The funding opportunities offered, as part of the "Investing in America" agenda, mobilise private sector investment and are intended to bring production back to America after decades of relocation abroad. The agenda includes, for example, the reconstruction of roads and bridges with "Made in America" materials built by American companies and workers.

Scope of funding

The EPA published two separate Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) at the end of February 2024: firstly, a competition for the use of zero-emission technologies for port equipment and infrastructure, which forms the main pot with almost 2.6 billion euros - and secondly, a competition for climate and air quality, which is backed with around 140 million euros.

All port or air pollution control authorities and also private organisations can apply for funding if they enter into cooperation with an eligible institution. The funds can be used for projects in coastal and inland ports as well as for pure freight handling sites for railway wagons and lorries. The deadline for applying for the two NOFOs for the Clean Ports Programme is 28 May 2024.

The challenge

The USA is leading the way once again. Europe, and Germany in particular, should not enter into a "trade war" with the USA, but rather create economic policy conditions that enable investment here instead of deterring it.

Source: gCaptain