Hugo Neu Corporation Sustainability Seminar Series: Opportunities to Reduce Emissions From Port Operations

ABSTRACT

In 2019, New York State passed the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050, 100% emissions free electricity generation by 2040, and net-zero emissions economy wide by 2050. As part of these goals, New York State and New York City are both undertaking initiatives to transition waterside (vessels) and landside port operations to use cleaner fuels, decarbonize and reduce emissions. The ports and maritime sector has been overlooked as the nation has focused on clean fuel and reduced emissions programs for more public modes of transportation, including automobiles, heavy truck, transit rail, and transit bus systems. Experience from Norway and other regions of the US will be shared related to pilot projects and other maritime projects that have demonstrated successful transitions to electrification, cleaner fuels, zero emissions operations. The ports and maritime industry challenges and potential solutions will be reviewed as well as the benefits to local communities and the region.

BIOGRAPHY

Joshua Gillespie is an environmental services manager with 26 years of experience conducting environmental assessment and compliance for a diverse range of large-scale projects, including energy/power, highway/bridge, transit/rail, and facilities development. Mr. Gillespie obtained his BS in Environmental Science and Forest Biology at SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry at Syracuse University.

Mr. Gillespie is currently working under contract for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support the State’s Offshore Wind Program in various capacities, including study of the supply chain opportunities; stakeholder and community engagement; and identifying potential offshore wind ports manufacturing permitting, construction, manufacturing and fabrication, staging and assembly, operations and maintenance opportunities. Mr. Gillespie has also led the environmental compliance for some of the largest regional projects, including the Tappan Zee Bridge Project, Bayonne Bridge Project, and Amtrak/NJ TRANSIT Access to Region’s Core (ARC - now “Gateway”) Project and the No. 7 Subway Extension - Hudson Yards Rezoning Program EIS. He also leads NEPA/SEQRA/CEQR and manages the federal, state, and local permitting process for natural resource projects, including wetlands, waterways, coastal zones, navigation issues, riparian land, and endangered species.

Zoom Link:

https://stevens.zoom.us/j/95471394436

Website:

https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability-seminar-series

Jointly Sponsored by:

HUGO NEU Corporation
WSP
HDR
NOMADICS
Brown and Caldwell
H2M Architects and Engineers
Dewberry

Contact:

Dr. Dibs Sarkar