Massport seeks EPA funds to electrify Northeast shipping terminals

Massport is pursuing $280 million in federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce emissions and enhance electrification at its container and cruise terminals in Boston Harbor. This initiative comes in response to the health and environmental challenges posed by increased marine shipping, particularly affecting low-income communities of color near the ports. The agency plans to invest an additional $70 million from its own budget to support these efforts. Numerous studies have established a direct correlation between diesel emissions from ships and adverse health outcomes, including respiratory illnesses and heart disease. Local environmental advocates are urging Massachusetts policymakers to prioritize the shipping industry's impact on public health. Community groups have expressed their support for Massport's grant application, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate existing health risks. The focus of the grant application includes creating a shore power option at Flynn Cruiseport, which would allow ships to plug into the electrical grid while docked, reducing reliance on diesel fuel. This initiative is part of a broader movement to address environmental justice issues and improve air quality in neighborhoods surrounding the port. If successful in securing the EPA funds, Massport aims to implement significant changes that have been advocated for over the past decade. The initiative aligns with the Biden administration's Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction acts, which provide funding for projects aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing emissions in port operations.