Clean Ports Program

Program objective

Section 60102 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (or IRA) amended the Clean Air Act by inserting section 133 (42 U.S.C. 7433) to authorize the EPA’s Clean Ports Program (or Grants to Reduce Air Pollution at Ports) to award grants to purchase or install zero-emission port equipment and supporting infrastructure, serving one or more ports, and for emission reduction planning activities. Congress appropriated $3 billion for the program, $750 million of which must be spent on projects taking places at ports located in air quality areas designated pursuant to section 107 as nonattainment for an air pollutant. The EPA’s objectives for the Clean Ports Program are to: (1) reduce air pollution in near-port communities; (2) build a foundation for the port sector to make progress in reducing air pollution from operations; and (3) help ensure that meaningful stakeholder engagement and emissions reduction planning become a part of port industry standard practices.

As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.

No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.

Eligible applicants (program level)

• ✓Tribal
• ✓Not-for-Profit Organization
• ✓Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• ✓County Government (inclusive of boroughs in Alaska, parishes and other governmental entities with geographic regional control and authority)
• ✓Municipality or Township government (inclusive of cities, towns, boroughs (except in Alaska), and villages)
• ✓U.S. Territory (or Possession) Government (including freely-associated states)
• ✓U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)

Per the statute, the following entities are eligible to apply directly to the Clean Ports Program: port authorities; state, regional, local, or Tribal agencies that have jurisdiction over a port authority or a port; and air pollution control agencies. Private entities that own, operate, or use the facilities, cargo-handling equipment, transportation equipment, or related technology of a port may apply if they partner with one or more of the eligible entities. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency’s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.

Frequently asked questions