October 30, 2024 — The Port Authority of Guam has been awarded $2,410,415 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program under the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition.
The grant selection process was extensive, with EPA funding only 55 projects from 27 states and territories for zero-emission equipment and climate planning. This award reflects the collective dedication of the Port team, with WSP serving as the Port’s owner agent and Jacobs as its subgrantee, along with the steadfast leadership of Vice Chairperson Conchita Taitano.
“Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, and Lt. Governor, Joshua Tenorio, were clear when they appointed Vice Chair Conchita to the Board,” said General Manager Rory J. Respicio. “Her 30-plus years with Guam EPA and government service make her uniquely qualified to develop and drive sustainability goals together with our planning team headed by Chief Strategic Planner Joe Javellana. In conjunction with her role on the Port board, she has completed certification through Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sustainability Program and worked alongside First Gentleman Jeff Cook on the island’s Zero Waste Task Force, and those initiatives have directly influenced the Port’s sustainability efforts.”
The Port Authority also acknowledges EPA Administrator Michelle Lastimoza and her team for their collaborative approach, working to support a more sustainable and resilient port. This funding aligns with the vision of Governor Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Tenorio, and the Port Board as outlined in the 2023 Master Plan and the “Look Ahead 2004” framework.
The awarded funds will support the Port’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy Update and Implementation Plan, an initiative that will enhance efforts to reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and improve air quality for the community. This project reflects the Port’s commitment to the goals of its Sustainability and Resiliency Plan and its dedication to innovative environmental stewardship.
Key objectives of the Net Zero Emissions Strategy Update and Implementation Plan
include:
1. Conducting a mobile emissions inventory,
2. Updating the Net Zero Emissions Strategy,
3. Preparing a workforce development plan,
4. Developing a resiliency strategy to assess climate risks and vulnerabilities, and
5. Creating an implementation plan to outline actionable steps for decarbonizing and
electrifying Port operations.
The Port Authority of Guam will also conduct community engagement to support this
initiative and future projects, reinforcing a shared vision for a cleaner, sustainable future
for Guam. This funding is a step forward in turning that vision into action.
