Raquel Garcia has long advocated for cleaner air in her neighborhood southwest of downtown Detroit. Living just over a mile from the Ambassador Bridge, she and her neighbors regularly clean soot from their homes.
“You can literally write your name in it,” Garcia remarked. “My house is completely covered.”
The area, part of Wayne County, hosts heavy industries like steel plants and major car manufacturers, suffering from some of Michigan’s worst air quality. The American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air report lists Wayne County among the worst in the U.S. for fine particulate matter pollution, or PM2.5.
Air quality in Detroit and other Midwest port cities could soon improve as ports receive substantial funding to replace diesel equipment with cleaner technologies. The Biden administration announced $3 billion in grants from the EPA’s Clean Ports program to reduce emissions at U.S. shipping ports. Over $200 million will be allocated to Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana ports along the Great Lakes.
Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act will finance new clean energy systems, charging stations, and a study for a green hydrogen fuel hub. The EPA estimates a nationwide carbon reduction of over 3 million metric tons in 10 years, equating to removing 600,000 gasoline vehicles from roads. Nitrous oxide and PM2.5 emissions are expected to drop by about 10,000 and 180 metric tons, respectively.
“Delivering cleaner technologies to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Garcia, leading the nonprofit Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, expressed excitement over the funding, although she noted more is needed to tackle Detroit’s air pollution.
Jumpstarting the Transition to Cleaner Technology
Port authorities in 27 states, including the Midwest, will use the Clean Ports funds for more than 1,500 units of cargo equipment and vehicles powered by electricity or green hydrogen. Illinois and Ohio received about $95 million each, Michigan’s Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority got $25 million, and the Ports of Indiana received $500,000.
Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority, stated the funds will help purchase electric forklifts, cranes, and boat motors. A solar array and 11 charging stations will reduce energy consumption.
“This money aids businesses in investing in clean technology, which is often costlier than diesel equipment,” Schrupp explained. The new equipment is expected to cut the port’s carbon emissions by over 8,600 metric tons annually, a 30% reduction.
Carly Beck of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority reported a projected 1,000 metric ton reduction in annual carbon emissions, about 40% of the port’s emissions. Funds will also support electric tug boats and solar panel installations.
In 2022, the Port of Cleveland’s emissions inventory identified major emissions sources as cargo equipment, energy use, and idling ships. The new infrastructure will allow cargo-handling and ships to draw power from a 2-megawatt solar system.
Improving the Air for Disadvantaged Communities
Clean Ports funding will benefit residents like Garcia living near U.S. ports. Diesel pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities of color. Nearly all census tracts near Midwest ports are deemed “disadvantaged” by federal criteria.
About 10,000 trucks pass through the Port of Detroit daily, contributing to poor air quality in Southwest Detroit and nearby cities like Ecorse and River Rouge.
“We have about 50,000 residents near the port, so these communities will benefit,” Schrupp noted. The new port equipment will cut nearly 9 metric tons of PM2.5 and about 120 metric tons of nitrous oxide annually.
Garcia is also pleased that some grants will support workforce training programs for new technology, offering career opportunities in her rapidly gentrifying area.
Beck added that Cleveland’s port is surrounded by heavy industry, with adjacent census tracts classified as “disadvantaged.”
“We’re striving to be good neighbors and enhance the environment,” she said.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org