National Port Strategy Assessment: Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases at US Ports

EPA-420-R-16-011

EPA Office of Transportation Air Quality

September 2016

 

Ports are a vital part of the United States economy, with seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports serving as gateways for moving freight and passengers across the country and around the world. As our nation adapts to meet economic and infrastructure demands, it is critical to understand the potential impacts on air pollution, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and the people living, working, and recreating near ports. Diesel engines are the modern-day workhorse of the American economy, and although they can be reliable and efficient, older diesel engines can emit significant amounts of air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), air toxics, and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which impact human health and the planet.