Port of Houston Authority gets second Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy said on Friday that her agency has awarded a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to the Port of Houston Authority during her visit to the authority's headquarters.


This is the authority’s second such grant, and like that grant, it will be used to replace drayage trucks with models featuring more environmentally friendly engines. The EPA is committing nearly $900,000, which will be augmented by Richardson Companies and Gulf Winds, bringing the total fund up to more than $2.5 million.


"We celebrate that the Port of Houston is growing and thriving, while still reducing pollution," McCarthy said. "The DERA program is a good investment for both business and the environment."


The Port of Houston is the largest U.S. operator for foreign waterborne tonnage, so the new trucks, which will feature GPS units, will provide valuable information when it comes to increasing efficiencies in fuel consumption and emission reductions. They will also run 90 percent cleaner than current trucks in operation, McCarthy said.


"At the Port Authority, balancing business with environmental stewardship is a key priority,” Port Commission Chairwoman Janiece Longoria. We always strive to work in harmony with our communities at large, and the environmental community in particular."