The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded a $750,000 grant to Broward County’s Port Everglades for diesel emissions reduction through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Diesel Campaign. Funds will allow the port to retrofit, upgrade or replace diesel engines to reduce emissions. Broward County is also contributing $510,000 to emissions reduction projects at the port.
The grant will fund the purchase and installation of diesel emissions reduction equipment for on-road and off-road equipment, replacement of old generators, forklifts, and service vehicles. Other port projects include diesel cargo handling equipment that will be retrofitted with newer emissions reduction technology, and repowering of diesel boats with more efficient, cleaner burning engines.
Reducing diesel emissions at ports is a national priority. DEP provided the EPA National Clean Diesel Campaign emissions reduction grant to improve air quality for those who live, work, or recreate in and around Port Everglades. These grants are directed at industry sectors associated with the use of heavy-duty diesel equipment, such as ports, freight and construction. DEP works with interested parties in these sectors to identify emissions reduction projects that are eligible for grant funding. Best practices, lessons learned and environmental impacts from the program will be collected and shared with Florida’s 13 other deepwater seaports to encourage diesel emission reduction initiatives.