Indiana Ports Secures $500,000 EPA Grant for Emission Reduction Initiatives

The Ports of Indiana has successfully secured a substantial grant of $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at exploring innovative methods to minimize emissions at its two key ports located along the Ohio River.

This initiative is part of a larger effort, with 55 ports across the nation sharing in a total of $60 million allocated through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, a funding opportunity established by Congress in 2022 under the Inflation Reduction Act. In Indiana, the grant will facilitate a comprehensive inventory of emissions, the examination of various reduction strategies, and the formulation of plans to curtail future emissions at both the Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville and Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon.

Kristin Brier, the vice president of integrated planning and sustainable development at Ports of Indiana, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project. "The Ports of Indiana staff and our external partners have done an exceptional job in preparing our grant application, which involved a candid evaluation of our strengths and areas needing improvement," she stated in a recent news release. "We are eager to commence the assessment and engagement phases, and soon transform our data into actionable strategies that will lead to a reduced carbon footprint for our port operations."

In addition to the two ports on the Ohio River, the Ports of Indiana also manages the Burns Harbor port on Lake Michigan. In 2023, the organization reported shipping 12.6 million tons of cargo, marking the second-highest tonnage in its 63-year history, as reported by Inside INdiana Business in February. Notably, coal exports from Mount Vernon saw a remarkable increase of 78%.

"Maritime transportation is recognized as the most environmentally sustainable method for transporting cargo, and we are thrilled to receive this EPA grant, which will enable us to investigate ways to enhance our port operations," commented Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. "As the state port authority, we are dedicated to being responsible environmental stewards and supportive partners within our port communities, all while working to bolster the Indiana economy."

For more information, you can access the complete list of grant recipients nationwide by clicking here.