THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give US$5 million to retrofit, replace or re-power diesel engines operating at ports in areas with poor air quality, reports American Shipper.
Cargo owners are hurt by such environmental agency "mitigation efforts" because of unfunded mandates they impose and by compliance costs, which price smaller operators out of business.
Also port expansion efforts can also be blocked until environmentalists are satisfied, leading to delays as terminals become congested adding more costs.
In response, EPA acting assistant administrator Janet McCabe said: "We can foster economic growth and improve public health."
The EPA said it intends to select between two and five applicants to split the money.
Port authorities, state and local governments with jurisdiction over transport or air quality are eligible to submit applications for clean diesel projects.
Community groups, terminal operators, shipping lines and other maritime interests are encouraged to participate through partnerships with these local authorities.
The EPA said the combination of diesel-powered vessels, trucks, cargo-handling equipment and locomotives concentrates a great deal of pollution.
This contributes to the failure of some large metropolitan areas attaining minimum EPA air quality standards, the agency said.
PORTS
01 October 2014 - 17:14
EPA offers US$5 million to cut diesel fumes at US ports with air pollution
THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give US$5 million to retrofit, replace or re-power diesel engines operating at ports in areas with poor air quality, reports American Shipper.
PORTS
01 October 2014 - 17:14
EPA offers US$5 million to cut diesel fumes at US ports with air pollution
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