NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Port of Virginia announced they have received a $380 million federal grant to help them eliminate all gas emissions by 2040.
According to a release, the grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean Ports grant program will be used to buy and install electric assets and equipment to replace the current engines that use gasoline or diesel fuel.
“This grant is truly transformative for our port and our community,” CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority Stephen A. Edwards said. “It will make our operations more efficient and sustainable, enhance our capabilities and allow us to continue making strides toward becoming the US East Coast’s first net-zero port.”
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), as well as U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), advocated for the grant to help the Port reach its goal to become carbon-neutral within the next 16 years.
“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry,” the lawmakers said. “As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities. That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”
For more information on the Port’s net-zero goal, click here.
