On November 4, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Request for Information on two new transportation grant programs established in sections 60101 and 60102 of the IRA:
- the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles program, through which EPA will provide grants to states, municipalities, Tribes, non-profit school transportation agencies, and eligible contractors to help cover the costs of replacing dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean alternatives, deploy supporting infrastructure, and/or train and develop the necessary workforce; and
- the Air Pollution at Ports program, through which EPA will provide grants to port authorities and certain other entities for activities that reduce air pollution at ports, including the purchase and installation of zero-emission port equipment.
In the November 4 Request for Information, EPA sought comments on several questions relating to the implementation of the two programs. For example, with respect to the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles program, EPA asked for input on how to align the program with other, existing programs aimed at reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and how to ensure the benefits of the program reach low-income and disadvantages communities (among other things). With respect to the Air Pollution at Ports program, EPA asked for input on the types of activities that may be supported via the program, how the program can be used to concerns of near-port communities and advance environmental justice, and what metrics to use to measure the success of the program and ensure accountability (among other things).
EPA will accept comments through January 18, 2023.