DOVER, DE — Delaware’s push towards a cleaner and safer future took a significant step forward on Monday, July 22, 2024. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Clean Corridor Coalition a substantial portion of the “Climate Pollution Reduction Grant” (CPRG), a program under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act.
The Clean Corridor Coalition, spearheaded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and involving partners such as the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), will share $249 million. This funding is earmarked for medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, a vital freight route.
Delaware will receive nearly $14 million from this grant. The funds will be used to build charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles along its section of I-95. The grant will also cover costs related to contracts, workforce development, and other essential expenses. DelDOT and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will collaborate with the public and stakeholders to identify optimal locations for the charging stations. The goal is to maximize emission reductions while ensuring convenience for users.
“Delaware is working to transition to a clean energy future to reduce pollution and take on climate change. Addressing transportation emissions, which is a major portion of the air pollution in Delaware, is a critical part of that effort,” said Governor John Carney. He emphasized the importance of these federal resources in making charging infrastructure available to larger commercial vehicles traveling I-95. This will help improve air quality for Delaware communities. Governor Carney expressed gratitude for the partnership with neighboring states and the support from federal leaders.
Transportation emissions are Delaware’s largest single source of greenhouse gases. The I-95 corridor, one of the country’s busiest freight routes, sees an average of 120,000 vehicles daily on Delaware’s stretch alone. This heavy traffic contributes significantly to air pollution, exacerbating health issues such as childhood asthma and cardiovascular disease.
“This grant is a game changer for the freight industry and all Delawareans,” stated Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. She highlighted the critical role of the I-95 corridor in delivering goods daily and noted that the new charging infrastructure would allow the freight industry to operate more cleanly, improving air quality and public health.
The implications of this grant are far-reaching. Electrifying the freight sector along I-95 could serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating how targeted investments in clean infrastructure can yield substantial environmental and health benefits. It also aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
By investing in zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, Delaware and its partner states are paving the way for a future where freight transportation is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and forward-thinking policies in addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges.
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