Provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the philadelphia regional port authority

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $2,000,000 project grant under the Clean Ports Program (CFDA 66.051) to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (Philaport) on March 15, 2025. The purpose of this grant is to fund the development of a comprehensive planning document that establishes a baseline of emissions generated by port terminal operations, identifies available space for renewable energy technologies, outlines a strategy to facilitate zero-emission infrastructure for trucks, equipment, and vessels over the next 25 years, and ensures future planning considers community and stakeholder input. Key deliverables include an emissions inventory, emissions reduction plan, community engagement activities, workforce development initiatives, and a publicly available summary of the planning activities.

Description

The purpose of this award is to provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the philadelphia regional port authority. Specifically, the recipient will develop a comprehensive planning document establishing a baseline of emissions generated by terminal operations; identify availability of terminal and near terminal space to store or deploy renewable energy powered technologies; outline a strategy to facilitate the infrastructure needed to power zero emission trucks, equipment, and vessels over the next 25 years; and provide the requisite community and stakeholder engagement to ensure future planning considers and prioritizes the public view, health, and wellbeing.activities:the activities include developing a port-wide inventory of emissions; assessing cost and feasibility of diesel emission reduction strategies; launching a formal process to get input from communities and other stakeholders on climate and air quality planning activities; engaging port workers on climate and air quality planning activities; and, preparing and publishing documents summarizing results of climate and air quality planning activities.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include a completed or updated emissions inventory of port from vessel to terminal to inland warehouse sites; a plan for reducing future port emissions; listing of local residents and community-based organizations participating; development of events and tools supporting engagement with local residents to ensure their meaningful participation with respect to the design, planning, and performance of the project; a plan to prepare the current workforce for impacts of future technologies/projects; new workforce development initiatives to train current and incoming workers; hiring or local workers and training for workers on new equipment and resulting long-term job stability; and creating a publicly available document summarizing in detail the results of planning activities. The expected outcomes include increased understanding of current port emissions; increased capacity to make strategic long-term investments to reduce emissions at ports; increased stakeholder participation in port planning and decision-making impacting environmental justice; improved ability to incorporate community perspectives into decision-making; public feedback and engaged communities; public understanding of port project; workers have better understanding of how their roles may evolve, awareness of emerging technologies, worker voice is incorporated into decision-making, and worker safter and job-quality is prioritized; number of jobs created; increased transparency in planning activities. The intended beneficiaries include residents of philadelphia county, pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.