EPA Ports Initiative and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to Pilot Justice40

Executive Order 14008 created a government-wide Justice40 Initiative with the goal of delivering 40 percent of overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.

Interim Guidance directs federal agencies to:

• Develop a plan to engage with communities and other stakeholders;
• Identify benefits of programs; and
• Propose methods to calculate and report on program benefits for disadvantaged communities.

EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program – in combination with EPA’s Ports Initiative – is one of six EPA programs participating in the Justice40 pilot across the federal government.

Your Input is Requested on Stakeholder Call

EPA is seeking input on ways we can maximize benefits from the DERA and EPA Ports Initiative programs in disadvantaged communities, including:

• How should EPA determine benefits to a particular community for mobile source projects when vehicles travel between communities? 
• Are disadvantaged communities aware of DERA funding and its potential to help communities, and if not, how can EPA reach more communities and support them in partnering with eligible DERA applicants? 
• Are there additional ways EPA can help encourage meaningful community engagement and diesel emissions reductions in disadvantaged communities – both as part of DERA projects, and beyond the life of DERA projects (e.g. additional outreach, technical assistance, training, or other information resources)?

An EPA National Environmental Justice (EJ) Community Stakeholder Call is planned for October 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Agenda to include:

• Overview of DERA and EPA Ports Initiative programs and discussion of how to continue to maximize benefits for disadvantaged communities
• Conversation about EPA's multi-year Strategic Plan goals for environmental justice and civil rights

If you are unable to join the October 12 call, please submit input on questions above related to DERA/Ports Initiative Justice40 pilot to dera@epa.gov.

The case study showcases a project that is an example of how a team of federal, state, and local stakeholders in New York and New Jersey worked together to cost-effectively and expediently offset emissions over the life of a harbor deepening project and ensured lasting clean air benefits.

The 12-year $2.1 billion New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project began construction in 2004, and included the completion of 21 dredging contracts, removing more than 40 million cubic yards of sediment to provide a 50-foot depth for ships accessing the Port of New York and New Jersey. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey recognized the need for close coordination with federal and state partners, so a Regional Air Team was formed to ensure open communication and a coordinated plan.

The project needed to meet General Conformity requirements by offsetting emissions from dredging vessels. The Harbor Air Management Plan for the project laid out an emissions offset strategy that included:

• Retrofitting or replacing engines on the entire Staten Island Ferry fleet;
• Upgrading and replacing marine engines; and
• Purchasing offset credits.

Outcomes

• Compliance with Clean Air Act General Conformity requirements
• Air quality benefits beyond compliance that were significant and lasting
• Showcased improvements to communities
• Agencies are in stronger position for future projects
• Development of a protocol on how offsets would be counted, tracked and distributed

Lessons Learned

• Building in flexibility is critical
• The key to project success was a high level of coordination between partners
• The technical work helped develop a better understanding of marine vessel sector emissions and identify the most cost effective reduction strategies

Since 2008, a total of 180 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants have been awarded for port projects, totaling $171 million. An additional 81 grants have been awarded through DERA to multi-sector projects that involve ports. Port projects, as discussed on the webpage, refer to projects occurring in places alongside navigable water with facilities for the loading and unloading of passengers and/or cargo from ships, ferries, and other vessels.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases. 

Award Categories and Application Submittal

If your work falls into any of the award categories below, please consider applying for one of these prestigious awards. 

1. Clean Air Technology;
2. Community Action;
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations; and
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations. 

In addition, the Clean Air Excellence Award Program will recognize two special award categories: (1) the Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award, honoring a former EPA Regional Administrator, is given to the air quality project or program that successfully blends two or more of the existing awards categories; and (2) the Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, honoring a former member of the CAAAC and environmental leader at 3M, recognizes one individual for their outstanding achievement, leadership, and lasting commitment to promote clean air and achieve better air quality.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov. EPA will also accept hard copies of applications mailed to Catrice Jefferson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, MC-6103A, Room 5442-Q (WJC-North), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.