*Projects must be completed within 3 years
**At least $750 million available across both categories for projects in nonattainments areas (areas that exceed pollution limits) for PM2.5 or Ozone.
The Program is divided into two sub-programs. Up to $300 million will be reserved for climate and air quality planning activities and about $2.6 billion will be spent on zero emission technologies at ports.
Planning grants. Planning grants can be used to conduct emissions inventory and accounting practices, identify resiliency measures, set emission reduction goals and strategies, publish results, and conduct stakeholder collaboration. Individual grants will range between $2 million and $3 million, with the higher end of the spectrum going to applicants with deeper experience conducting climate and air quality planning and those who commit to doing in-depth zero-emissions technology feasibility assessments. There is no cost sharing requirement for applicants, but those with leveraged funds can get a small advantage in their application.
Project Timeframe. Projects must be completed within three years.
Zero emission technology grants. These grants will help test the commercial readiness of zero emission technologies at ports. These grants can also be used for eligible behind-the-meter infrastructure expenses including electric meters, electric panels, charging infrastructure units, battery energy storage systems servicing port equipment, and the zero emission port equipment. One important thing to note is that on-site hydrogen production, storage, and re-fueling systems are currently under consideration as eligible expenses. Many EJ Ready organizations already oppose funding of fossil-based hydrogen production and could consider engaging with the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach now to stop funding for fossil-based hydrogen production or limits funding to green hydrogen, if necessary.
A Notice of Funding Opportunity for grants will be released February 2024 and close around May 2024. Applicants will then be selected around September 2024 and grants awarded closer to the end of 2024.
Information last updated: September 23, 2024
FY2023 Applications Due: May 28, 2024
FY2023 Awardee Announcement: September 2024