FHWA to offer grants for projects that cut truck emissions at ports

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) yesterday opened applications for the first round of funding under a new competitive grant program to reduce air pollution from trucks at the nation's ports.

The $400 million Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities grant program will focus on port electrification and efficiency improvements, FHWA officials said in a press release. About $160 million is available in fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Port-related trade has increased in recent years, leading to truck queuing and idling that creates poor air quality for nearby communities, FHWA officials said.

Projects eligible for funding include:

• the development of port-related infrastructure that reduces emissions from truck idling;
• on-truck technology that reduces emissions from idling;
• the use of zero- or low-emissions powertrains or fuels on trucks;
• reducing truck congestion in or near a port, including through enhanced intermodal rail connections; and
• reducing port-related emissions from idling trucks through port electrification and improving the efficiency of port operations.

The program also could make available more charging stations and electrical hookups for trucks alongside auxiliary electric power units that are used to provide power to the truck cab or sleeper berth, allowing the engine to be turned off and save fuel, FHWA officials said.