Mercer Times

On July 22, the Biden-Harris Administration announced over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants aimed at tackling climate change and advancing clean energy. Among the recipients, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland were awarded $249 million for the Clean Corridor Coalition project. This initiative focuses on deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along the Interstate-95 freight corridor.

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey emphasized the importance of this development: “The steps we take today to lower emissions from heavy duty vehicles along New Jersey’s transportation corridors will improve air quality in our communities, while mitigating climate impacts well into the future.” He expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration and congressional supporters for facilitating New Jersey's transition to electric vehicles.

Maryland Governor Moore highlighted the broader benefits: "Building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future isn't just the right thing to do for our planet -- it's also the right thing to do for our people." He noted that federal investment would help create jobs and cut emissions.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont pointed out the regional economic significance of Connecticut’s freight corridor: “It also runs through the heart of many of our largest cities, where higher levels of diesel emissions contribute to higher rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.” He thanked neighboring states for their collaboration in securing this funding.

Delaware Governor John Carney stressed transportation emissions as a major pollution source in Delaware: “These federal resources to make charging available to larger commercial vehicles travelling I-95 will help make the air cleaner for communities in Delaware.”

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia remarked on the impact of this grant: “The nearly $250 million grant to the Clean Corridor Coalition will not only reduce harmful emissions along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors but will also help create jobs and produce health benefits for every community along I-95.”

The proposal led by New Jersey aims to install over 24 charging locations with approximately 450 public charging ports. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 19 million tons CO2e through 2050. The project involves cooperation among environmental and transportation departments from New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland.

New Jersey Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette stated: “This award of nearly $250 million for truck charging infrastructure is a critical down payment for zero-emission freight movement.” Kate Zyla from Georgetown Climate Center added that electrification is essential for improving public health in these regions.

Fossil-fueled freight vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions despite representing a small percentage of vehicle miles traveled. The Clean Corridor Coalition project seeks to address this by expanding public charging facilities necessary for transitioning medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emission alternatives.