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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

EPA grants to fund IL port energy projects

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Monday, November 25, 2024   

Illinois, like many states, continues to seek innovative solutions for cleaner air.

The Biden administration recently selected the Illinois International Port District for funding under the Clean Ports Program.

It'll guide the port sector to transition to fully zero-emissions operations, and identify ways to reduce emissions to align with port industry standard practices.

Executive Director of Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals Aimee Andres said she sees the benefits of the program - but questions what happens as improvements are made.

"A lot of the grants, the EPA grants, that have come out," said Andres, "they're talking about, 'let's retrofit your material handler that may run on diesel to say, now be powered by an electric engine or a higher tiered, less emission motor, right?' What are you doing with the old one?"

The grants will build on the Environmental Protection Agency's Ports Initiative, which helps the nation's ports address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities.

The EPA says it intends to finalize grant agreements by January. According to the Illinois International Port District website, the ports move more than 19 million tons of general waterborne cargo every year.

The U.S. Department of Energy says the shipping industry is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse emissions.

Funding for the Illinois International Port District will address hydrogen fueling infrastructure, solar energy and battery storage, along with hydrogen and electric cargo handling equipment.

Andres said if a community wants to invest in alternative fuel sources, everyone's input should be considered.

"You can have a community who wants to invest in an alternative fuel source, like LNG, CNG, solar, etc," said Andres, "but if you're transporting throughout the entire route, you're going to have to have that same fuel source throughout the longevity of the transit, right? So, a community in Illinois, while it's great that they're exploring alternative fuels, they actually need to be nationwide."

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides the EPA with $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports.

Illinois International Port District owns three locations on the southeast side of Chicago, totaling nearly 1,700 acres.

These include Iroquois Landing, Lake Calumet Harbor, and Harborside International Golf Center.





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