The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has unveiled a significant investment of $148 million in grants to 11 states and Puerto Rico to address air pollution near ports. This funding is part of a larger $400 million program aimed at enhancing air quality and reducing pollution for truck drivers, port workers, and communities living in close proximity to ports. The initiative, known as the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program, focuses on port electrification and efficiency enhancements to minimize pollution from idling trucks at ports while modernizing infrastructure and fortifying supply chains.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “When truckers spend hours idling at ports, it’s bad for drivers, bad for supply chains, and bad for nearby communities that feel the brunt of more polluted air.” Secretary Buttigieg highlighted how the investments will benefit truck drivers, reduce congestion and emissions at ports, and ultimately improve air quality for workers and residents in surrounding communities.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt also underscored the positive impact of the program, noting, “The projects funded under this program will improve the quality of life for workers and families impacted by pollution from idling trucks while building a clean-energy economy that combats climate change and makes our communities more resilient.” Administrator Bhatt emphasized the economic benefits of port-related trade and the significance of the investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in improving the lives of individuals near ports.
The grants awarded in the first round of the program will support 16 projects across various states to reduce pollution in communities adjacent to ports. Specific initiatives include the replacement of diesel-powered trucks with zero or low emissions electric or alternative fuel-powered trucks, construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, port roadway access improvements, and technology enhancements to reduce truck emissions.
For instance, California is set to receive $49.7 million for port improvements, with a focus on transitioning to zero-emission technologies and electric trucks at Ports of Long Beach, Oakland, and Los Angeles. Texas will benefit from $26.9 million for enhancements at the Port of Houston, including zero-emission trucks and electric chargers. Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and New Jersey are among the other states receiving grants to facilitate similar improvements at their respective ports.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which prioritizes environmental justice through initiatives like the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program, aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, combat climate change, and make communities more resilient. This program is aligned with the Justice40 Initiative, furthering the administration’s commitment to ensuring that disadvantaged communities receive a significant portion of the benefits from federal investments.
