The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Ports Program Notice of Funding Opportunity release:
“America's seaports are charting a cleaner future with $50 billion worth of planned alternative energy projects that need funding," exclaimed Cary Davis, AAPA President and CEO. “The industry is beyond thrilled to apply for federal investments via EPA's Clean Ports Program, and our sincere 'thank you' goes to everyone at the agency, which deserves credit for responding to most of our industry concerns in their program design. However, strict enforcement of equipment procurement rules will hamper the program because the American supply chain for electric port equipment is just not mature. We strongly support EPA’s efforts to allow for sourcing from our allies because it is ultimately great for growing a prosperous America.”
AAPA extensively lobbied EPA on behalf of the port industry to highlight key concerns which the Agency took into account :
• Most recently, AAPA worked with the bipartisan PORTS Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Randy Weber (R-Texas) to send a letter to EPA;
• At the beginning of February, AAPA led five other organizations in a letter to EPA stressing that that “dry ports” should not be eligible for Clean Ports Program funding based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) definition which “clearly differentiate 'ports' from 'truck/rail intermodal connectors.'” AAPA is grateful to EPA for implementing a cap so only 8% of funds can go to "dry ports";
• In November 2023, AAPA sent an initial letter emphasizing the fact that truck/rail intermodal connectors are already eligible for $30 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act;
• And AAPA submitted two comments to EPA in response to Requests for Information:
◦ Equipment availability, price, and performance;
◦ General program policies.
