The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and the Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ) are closely monitoring the temporary pause of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program grant, which was initially announced in November 2024. The anticipated $112.4 million in funding was set to advance zero-emission (ZE) technology deployment and air quality planning efforts at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal (SLCIT). However, as part of a broader federal grant pause, the program is currently on hold, and UIPA and UDAQ are awaiting further guidance from the EPA.
The funding was divided into two key components:
- UDAQ was awarded $110 million to oversee the transition of conventional diesel equipment to electric and hybrid alternatives, including electric trucks, switcher locomotives, and cargo-handling equipment. The grant also covered the necessary charging infrastructure to support these ZE investments.
- UIPA received $2.4 million to establish a baseline emissions inventory, develop climate and air quality planning initiatives, and engage neighboring communities in sustainable air quality management practices.
Originally celebrated as a historic investment in Utah’s air quality and logistics infrastructure, the grant aims to modernize port operations and reduce emissions in one of the state’s most critical logistics hubs. Leaders from UIPA, UDAQ, the EPA, and local officials gathered at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal in November to recognize the impact of this funding on both economic development and environmental stewardship.
While the timeline for funding remains uncertain, UIPA remains committed to exploring alternative strategies to support clean logistics initiatives and will continue working with UDAQ and other stakeholders to determine next steps.
UIPA will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Author: Kaitlin Felsted
Published: 02/21/25