News Release
FOR RELEASE - December 22, 2010
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
"The DERA program helps ensure that verified emissions reduction technologies are put into place earlier than would happen otherwise," said Mr. Nagle. "Reducing emissions from diesel engines provides significant public health benefits for port communities and port workers. Lowering emissions from engines used in ships, trucks, trains and other port-related freight handling equipment has improved air quality for entire metropolitan areas."
Mr. Nagle further noted that DERA grants support American jobs. The program provides grants to fund engine upgrades and retrofits, many of which are manufactured in the United States. He said that installation of new engines or retrofit technology is usually done on or near the site where the engine is used, further benefiting U.S. employment.
Seaports deliver prosperity for America by moving billions of dollars worth of cargo each year-activities which annually contribute some $3 trillion to the U.S. economy and support more than 13 million American jobs. Critical components of these "economic engines" are the diesel engines that power the ports' cargo-handling equipment, drayage trucks and harbor craft, such as tugs, towboats and ferries.
Yet, diesel engines often contribute to reduced air quality, as older engines emit higher levels of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) than do newer technologies. As larger vessels enter U.S. waters bringing more cargo, ports must expand their landside operations to accommodate this growth, resulting in greater truck and rail traffic to and from the ports and increases in equipment used to load and unload cargo.
While increasing trade yields tremendous economic benefits, America's public port agencies strive to both meet the nation's commerce needs and be good stewards of the coastal environment, and have used DERA grants to reduce emissions in some of the country's most densely populated areas.