Air terminal at JFK where the Port Authority plans to install fast-charging EV stations. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said that it is planning a number of investments in an effort to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2025 and by 80% by 2050.

The agency manages a network of aviation, ground, rail and seaport facilities in New York and New Jersey. It also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan. Few details were provided related to the timing and projected cost of the proposed investments. The Port Authority is using the baseline year of 2006 to gauge its emission reduction standards and targets.

The agency said that it plans to deploy a fleet of 36 electric shuttle buses at JFK International, Newark Liberty (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports. It also plans to covert around half of its 600 to 750 light-duty vehicles to electric models.

The Port Authority also plans to install 10 EV recharging stations at JFK airport, with the capacity to deliver a full recharge in 30 minutes or less. In partnership with Maher Terminals, the Port Authority plans to pilot electric cargo equipment and convert airside equipment to electric.

Energy Efficiency

It also plans to invest $100 million to retrofit existing facilities to improve their energy efficiency. Plans call for replacing existing light fixtures with LEDs at the World Trade Center site, JFK, EWR, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, George Washington Bridge and the Holland Tunnel.

Solar and fuel-cell initiatives are planned across six Port Authority facilities including JFK, LGA, Newark Liberty, New York Stewart International Airport, One World Trade Center and the commuter rail system PATH. Plans call for the projects to be financed by third-party developers that would front the construction costs and recover their investment through power purchase agreements.

One proposal calls for developing a 5 megawatt community solar project at JFK and offer the energy to local residents.

Ocean-going Vessels and Wind Energy

The Port Authority also said that it plans to extend its ocean-going Clean Vessel Incentive Program by five years across all port facilities, including offering incentives to container and cruise ships to make voluntary engine, fuel and technology enhancements that reduce emissions.

It also plans to issue a Request for Expressions of Interest for proposals to develop wind facilities using Port Authority land in New York and New Jersey.