The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has been awarded a US$1.8 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its diesel equipment upgrade programme to replace older cargo-handling equipment and dray trucks with newer, cleaner, and more efficient models.
The grant will also help the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) further reduce emissions at the Port of Baltimore and the surrounding residential neighbourhoods.
“Maryland’s Port of Baltimore has a robust environmental programme, from reducing emissions to restoring Chesapeake Bay islands, while also serving as a tremendous catalyst for good jobs and economic growth,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.
In addition, MDOT deputy secretary Earl Lewis, who also serves as chair of Maryland’s zero-emission electric vehicle infrastructure council, noted, “This US$1.8 million EPA grant from the diesel emission reduction act gives Maryland’s Port of Baltimore an important tool in our ongoing efforts to be greener and to advance Maryland’s response to climate change.”
The EPA grant, which comes from the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), is anticipated to assist the replacement of diesel-powered equipment that operate at the port, including four yard trucks, six forklifts, one mobile welding unit and three heavy-duty dray trucks, with newer and more energy-efficient equipment. The new dray trucks will be the first electric-powered dray trucks to provide service at Maryland’s Port of Baltimore, according to a statement.
“These funds are a big boost for clean air and climate progress and that’s great news for Baltimore communities and Maryland economies,” stated Maryland environment secretary Ben Grumbles.
