WASHINGTON (October 13, 2022) – The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) encourages ports to adopt propane equipment with the funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).

The U.S. Congress recently passed the IRA, which provides $750 million to ports in non-attainment areas. Ports operating with or transitioning to clean-emission power sources and equipment, such as propane forklifts and vehicles, qualify to apply for the grant.

The bill also extends the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit through 2024, which provides a credit for every gasoline gallon equivalent of propane autogas, or about 37 cents per gallon. The bill not only extends the credits through Dec. 31, 2024, but fleet owners can also apply for credits retroactively for any propane autogas purchases made in 2022. This includes off-road vehicles like forklifts.

Port authorities may be surprised to learn that propane is a clean, reliable and more cost-effective energy solution compared to other options like electric, diesel and gasoline. With rising electricity demands and an unreliable power grid, ports need reliable energy sources that don’t pollute the air. Air pollution from diesel engines in port communities puts families at risk for developing asthma, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. power grid, according to data from PERC. And unlike batteries, which require precious time to recharge and lose power-holding capacity over time, propane forklift cylinders can last decades.

“With propane, clean energy is available now,” said Joe Calhoun, director of off road business development at PERC. “Propane gives ports the ability to reduce emissions and increase reliability without having to wait for expensive electric infrastructure or waste time charging a battery. Plus, with the grant funds available, it’s even more affordable.”

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About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.