AQMD OK's $250M For Zero-Emission Projects

DIAMOND BAR, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District approved nearly $250 million in funding Friday for zero-emission goods movement projects across Southern California, including what officials described as the largest-ever investment in battery-electric switcher locomotives.

The funding, approved through the agency's INVEST CLEAN program, will support the deployment of at least 31 battery-electric switcher locomotives, 247 heavy-duty truck charging connections and 67 pieces of zero-emission cargo- handling equipment.

According to South Coast AQMD, the locomotive projects represent the largest funding commitment ever made for zero-emission switcher locomotives and will result in the largest number of battery-electric switcher locomotives operating at the San Pedro Bay ports.

"This is a landmark investment that demonstrates our commitment towards advancing a cleaner goods movement sector," South Coast AQMD Governing Board Chair Michael Cacciotti said in a statement. "In addition to accelerating the transition to zero-emission technologies, these projects will significantly improve air quality in communities and create jobs throughout the United States."

Officials said the projects are expected to reduce emissions of smog- forming nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and diesel particulate matter while supporting manufacturing, construction and technology jobs.

The funding includes $190.8 million for battery-electric switcher locomotives, $20.6 million for zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and $38.4 million for charging infrastructure projects, the agency said.

In Los Angeles and Orange counties, the funding will support battery- electric locomotives, cargo-handling equipment and charging infrastructure in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim. South Coast AQMD allocated $92.6 million for locomotives, $11 million for cargo-handling equipment and $10.8 million for charging projects in those communities.

UC Irvine will track emissions reductions associated with the projects, according to the agency.

City News Service