Infrastructure Act Creates Opportunity for Propane to Ensure Energy Equity and Reduce Port Emissions

Harmful emissions and poor air quality are often tied to ports and neighboring communities because of the heavy-duty diesel and gasoline powered equipment operating daily. While battery-powered equipment has seemingly become the default answer for many, there are significant challenges to be considered with that approach and it’s important to consider other ultra-low emissions options, including propane equipment.

A new $1.2 trillion law to improve America’s infrastructure creates an unprecedented opportunity for low-emission fuels, including propane, to power on-road and off-road fleets, replacing the use of diesel and gasoline on-site. Propane is recognized in the Act as an emerging clean alternative energy source and its inclusion is a major win for both ports and near-port communities.

The?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act?provides over $9 billion in funding for refueling infrastructure and clean vehicles and equipment—including $5 billion earmarked for ports—which is expected to become available in January 2022.

Notably, propane-powered vehicles and refueling infrastructure are eligible to compete for the following funding opportunities under the new law.

• $2.5 billion in grants for emissions reduction at port facilities
• $2.5 billion in grants for charging and refueling infrastructure?

Propane helps improve air quality at our nation’s ports while reliably supporting global trade logistics. In fact, while many port authorities think electrifying their equipment is the best solution for reducing emissions, they’re likely unaware that propane has a cleaner, more transparent emissions profile when lifecycle emissions are taken into consideration. Most notably, using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid, according to data from PERC.

Propane can power critical equipment throughout a port. For example, it fuels resilient, low-NOx generators for backup and prime power for cold ironing, charging and other large industrial applications. Near-zero emission propane port tractors produce fewer emissions and cost approximately $200,000 less than electric models, meaning ports can afford to replace more of their diesel-powered fleet and achieve carbon reduction goals faster.?Propane powered cargo handling equipment in development includes reach stackers, empty container handlers and rubber-tyred gantry cranes.

Existing propane applications in the ports include forklifts and small and medium-duty vehicles that are meeting today’s emissions regulations and sustainability goals. Clean reliable propane equipment supports the bottom line for ports, keeping costs in check, and increasing productivity without sacrificing performance in the process. Switching to cleaner energy directly impacts the millions of people living near ports. Families can be exposed to air pollution output from diesel engines at ports and be at risk of developing asthma, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Equipment, vehicles, and marine vessels that burn diesel fuel are the primary source of combustion-related emissions at port facilities, according to the EPA. ?

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With this in mind, why wait? Switching to ultra-low emissions propane can help port operations across the country be better stewards of the environment today—and well into the future.

Additionally, propane refueling infrastructure is affordable, scalable, and readily available for the nation’s alternative fuel corridors. Propane-fueled generators even provide for EV recharging.

Visit Propane.com/Ports to learn more about how incorporating propane can help ports support economic growth while simultaneously safeguarding our environment.

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