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The Latest Updates from New Jersey's Utilities Industry

Written by NJUA News Staff
Published October 23, 2024

EPA Awards $249 Million to Electrify I-95 Freight Corridor with Green Technology

RIDGEFIELD - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), alongside federal and state officials, today marked the award of nearly $249 million for the Clean Corridor Coalition.

This  grant, funded through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, will fund the electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along the Interstate-95 freight corridor.

Standing at the Vince Lombardi Service Area in Ridgefield, with climate and freight industry leaders, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia highlighted the transformative impact this grant—part of the Inflation Reduction Act—will have on the region’s clean energy infrastructure.

"Today marks a pivotal investment in our efforts to address climate change and promote environmental justice along Interstate 95," Garcia said.  "This $250 million grant will reduce harmful air pollution along one of the nation's busiest freight corridors, create jobs, and deliver health benefits to communities along this key transportation route."

Trucks and buses account for only four percent of all vehicles on the road but generate nearly 25 percent of our transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions, said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette.

"Charting a path to electrify these vehicles is critical," he added. "This award of nearly $250 million for truck charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor is a critical down payment for zero-emission freight movement and will catalyze the deployment of zero-emission freight trucks in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The DEP is proud to be spearheading this effort.”

The Clean Corridor Coalition, led by NJDEP, includes the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Delaware Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Departments of the Environment and Transportation. Under the project, the state agencies will install extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission vehicles along the I-95 freight corridor, providing critical technical assistance for workforce development and corridor planning across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland.

With $248.9 million in awarded funds, the project will establish 24 freight truck charging sites, equipping them with 450 charging ports across four states. This infrastructure is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050.

The initiative will also train 400 workers, focusing on providing opportunities for low-income communities. By driving emissions reductions in the transportation sector, this project will deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, setting a new standard for clean energy initiatives nationwide.

Learn more about the Clean Corridor Coalition.

Learn more about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.