Challenge / Goal
The primary challenge was to address the significant emissions produced by aging drayage trucks, which are crucial for transporting cargo within ports but often idle and make frequent trips, contributing to air pollution. The goal was to replace these trucks to lower emissions, enhance air quality, and subsequently improve public health in surrounding communities, particularly those already facing environmental justice concerns.
Solution
- Securing DERA Grant Funding: The initiative was bolstered by securing grants from the Diesel Emission Reduction Act of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which provided the necessary financial support.
- Increasing Funding Incentives: Initially, funding covered 25% of replacement costs, but this was later increased to 50% to better support truck operators financially.
- Simplifying Grant Application Process: Recognizing the burden of lengthy applications, project coordinators streamlined the process and created an online portal for easy application submissions. Technical assistance and support were also provided.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnering with local nonprofits, state agencies, and community groups, the program was effectively publicized and administered.
- Scrappage Requirements: Ensured that old trucks were permanently taken out of service by establishing strict scrappage verification processes.
- Addressing Technical Issues with DPFs: Encountered issues with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) clogging in new trucks were mitigated through initial cleaning, maintenance protocols, and warranty provisions.
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The Port; Drayage truck users