VW settlement could bring ” greener” funding for U.S. seaports

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said that U.S. ports and their surrounding communities stand to benefit from the recent announcement of a partial Volkswagen (VW) settlement with the federal government and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The agreement relates to the sale of VW cars with defective air emissions equipment. Included in the consent decree agreement, the German automaker will pay $2.7 billion to mitigate air emissions and $2 billion to invest in green vehicle technology in areas where its defective cars are in operation.

The mitigation part of the agreement is to pay for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. It states that port projects, such as those related to port drayage trucks, rail freight switchers, ferries/tugs, ocean-going vessels using shore power and federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) projects, are eligible for funding.

The green technology part of the agreement is to promote zero emissions vehicles, including on-road heavy duty vehicles such as those that haul goods to and from America’s ports.

“This funding would help U.S. ports reduce NOx emissions in and around their facilities.  It would also help AAPA’s members continue their commitment to sustainability, clean energy and the health of coastal ecosystems,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said,