Request for Comments on the Approval of a New Information Collection: Building American Production Capacity for Electric Port Equipment and Other Port Infrastructure Items
March 2, 2023: Federal Register (full link below)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice of request for comments (RFC).
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of a new information collection. The proposed collection OMB 2133-NEW (Building American Production Capacity for Electric Port Equipment and other Port Infrastructure Items) will be used to identify the demand for electric-powered port equipment and other port infrastructure items supported by a pooled procurement.
Comments must be received on or before May 1, 2023.
Background: The Building American Production Capacity for Electric Port Equipment and other Port Infrastructure Items collection is essential to identify the demand for electrically powered port equipment and infrastructure items supported by pooled procurement. This initiative, which is comprised of an online survey and interview with diverse American port stakeholders, will also support Buy American/Buy America objectives and American manufacturers of electrically powered port equipment. Survey responses will also help to identify a suitable port through which the procurement of electrically powered port equipment and infrastructure can be initiated. This survey is being conducted through a cooperative agreement between the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
Currently, many U.S. port authorities and marine terminal operators purchase diesel-powered dockside equipment, necessary for loading, unloading, and organizing shipping containers. Much of this equipment is foreign made, in short supply, and increases exposure to dangerous emissions that contribute to climate change. The recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which was signed into law on November 15, 2021, provides a federal grant stream that will modernize U.S. ports infrastructure over the next five years. Specifically, this Bill assures resources for the development of a domestic capacity of clean electric-powered American alternatives to replace and reduce emissions by predominantly foreign-made diesel port equipment.