State Air Resources Board News

Providing auxiliary hydrogen power to docked or anchored ships may soon be added to the list of ways in which hydrogen fuel cells can provide efficient, emissions-free energy. Hydrogen fuel cells are already powering mobile lighting systems, forklifts, emergency backup systems and light-duty trucks, among other applications. Now, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have found that hydrogen fuel cells may be both technically feasible and commercially attractive as a clean, quiet and efficient power source for ships at berth, replacing on-board diesel generators.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has announced an open solicitation period for the Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program Ships at Berth and Cargo Handling Equipment funding category. See the Program website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/gmbond) for more information. The $1b Proposition 1B:  Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (Program) is a partnership between the State Air Resources Board (ARB) and local agencies (like air districts and seaports) to quickly reduce air pollution emissions and health risk from freight movement along California's trade corridors. Local agencies apply to ARB for funding, then those agencies offer financial incentives to owners of equipment used in freight movement to upgrade to cleaner technologies.