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Ports Initiative
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Best Clean Air Practices for Port Operations

  • Best Clean
    Air Practices
  • Port-wide
    Planning
  • Drayage
    Trucks
  • Rail
    Facilities
  • Ocean-Going
    Vessels
  • Cargo-Handling
    Equipment
  • Harbor
    Craft
Container ship harbored at port
Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust at and near ports is important for public health and the environment.

This webpage is one in a series of pages that provide information on best practices at ports to reduce diesel pollution and associated health impacts. Select another topic from menu above to explore other sector best clean air practices. 

Ports are gateways of commerce and drivers of the United States economy. Port activity also affects air quality. Emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment operating at ports can pose health risks to nearby communities that are often comprised of low income and minority populations.
 
While the examples included in the webpages in this section are not exhaustive, they are intended to highlight some of the more effective strategies that have been adopted by U.S. ports. The appropriateness and effectiveness of these strategies will vary for different ports based on many factors including type of operation, fleet makeup, local air quality and pollutant exposure, and community and port priorities.
 

An overview of each best practice and related technical resources, tips on collecting data and setting performance targets, and descriptions of real-world examples are available on the webpages linked to below. Webpages will be updated over time as new clean air practices emerge and information evolves.

Learn more about best practices for:
  • Port-wide Planning
  • Drayage Trucks
  • Rail Facilities
  • Ocean Going Vessels
  • Cargo Handling Equipment
  • Harbor Craft
  • EPA Ports Initiative Home
  • About EPA Ports Initiative
  • Technical Resources
    • Ports and Goods Movement Emission Inventories
    • National Port Strategy Assessment
    • EPA & Port Everglades Partnership
    • Shore Power Technology
  • Best Clean Air Practices
    • Port-wide Planning
    • Drayage Trucks
    • Rail Facilities
    • Ocean-Going Vessels
    • Cargo-Handling Equipment
    • Harbor Craft
    • Case Studies
    • SmartWay
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    • Funding Opportunities
    • Tips For a Successful Application
    • DERA Grants Awarded for Port Projects
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 13, 2022
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