Funding from EPA’s Clean Ports Program to Drive Zero-Emission Advancements and Community-Focused Air Quality Initiatives at Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal
Salt Lake City, Utah – Today, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) celebrated the recent anticipated award of $112.4 million through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program. The event, held at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal (SLCIT), brought together leaders from UIPA, the Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ), the EPA, and local officials to discuss the impact of this historic investment on Utah’s air quality and logistics infrastructure.
“This grant signifies a tremendous leap forward for Utah, where environmental stewardship and economic vitality go hand in hand,” said Kim Shelley, Executive Director of Utah DEQ. “Today’s event showcased how advanced technologies can elevate Utah’s logistics sector while protecting the health of our communities.”
The funding—$110 million for zero-emission (ZE) technology deployment awarded to DEQ, and $2.4 million for climate and air quality planning awarded to UIPA—will be directed toward reducing emissions at SLCIT through transitioning conventional diesel equipment operations to incorporate electric trucks, switcher locomotives, cargo-handling equipment, and the necessary charging infrastructure to support the new ZE equipment.
“This funding enables us to build a sustainable logistics network that aligns with Utah’s air quality goals,” said Ben Hart, Executive Director of UIPA. “This wouldn’t be possible without the partnership between Union Pacific, UDAQ and the EPA. Together, we’re driving transformative changes that will positively impact our state for generations.”
These ZE technologies are set to replace older diesel-powered models and contribute significantly to cleaner air in the region. The grant also provides resources to establish a baseline emissions inventory and involve neighboring communities in sustainable air quality management practices.
“Union Pacific is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative that will drive more sustainable logistics practices in Utah,” said Nathan Anderson, Sr. Director of Public Affairs at Union Pacific. “Through this partnership, we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint through technologies that benefit the communities we serve, while strengthening Utah’s role as a leader in sustainable transportation.”
About the Clean Ports Program
The EPA’s Clean Ports Program supports the decarbonization of U.S. ports by funding ZE equipment, infrastructure, and air quality planning. The program’s goal is to reduce diesel emissions, improve air quality in near-port communities, and promote sustainable port operations nationwide.
“Thanks to the Investing in America agenda, this Clean Ports grant will jump-start efforts to electrify operations at the Utah Inland Port, cutting emissions, combating climate change and cleaning up air quality in Salt Lake City,” said Regional Administrator KC Becker. “EPA is excited to see this investment make tangible improvements to the West Salt Lake community, including cleaner air and better health outcomes.”
Learn more about the Clean Ports Program here: https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/cleanports
Access photos and video from today’s event here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SOLN8LGZT-TO0JE2QoHEWVzmrOnvpo3w?usp=sharing
Author: Kaitlin Felsted
Published: 11/01/24
