The Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly $3 billion in investments aimed at reducing emissions at ports across the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will fund 55 projects to deploy zero-emission equipment and improve infrastructure in ports nationwide. This initiative, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, seeks to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, promote well-paying jobs, and ensure environmental justice.
"Ports are crucial for creating opportunities here in America by providing good-paying jobs, moving goods, and driving our economy," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Today's historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden's vision to grow our economy and ensure America leads globally competitive solutions of the future."
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, remarked on the administration's efforts: "President Biden and Vice President Harris took office with a vision to rebuild our nation's infrastructure and address the climate crisis in a way that would create good-paying union jobs and lift up communities that have borne the brunt of pollution."
Ali Zaidi, National Climate Advisor at the White House, emphasized how this agenda helps reduce pollution while creating well-paid union jobs: "The communities benefiting from these grants are proof of how good environmental policy can be good economic policy."
Senator Ben Cardin (MD) highlighted local benefits: "The bold investments by the Biden-Harris Administration in modernizing our infrastructure are driving our economy while allowing us to meaningfully tackle climate change." Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) echoed this sentiment: "As exemplified by this compelling announcement, the historic Inflation Reduction Act continues addressing the climate crisis with fierce urgency right here in Baltimore."
In February 2024, two funding opportunities were announced for U.S. ports. Following a rigorous review process, 55 applicants were selected based on their workforce development efforts and alignment with national goals for a zero-emission freight sector.
Selected projects include initiatives by major port authorities such as New York/New Jersey ($344 million), Detroit/Wayne County ($21 million), Georgia ($48 million), Philadelphia ($77 million), Oakland ($322 million), Houston ($2.9 million), Puerto Rico ($1.8 million), and Northwest Seaport Alliance ($3 million).
These projects aim to significantly cut emissions over ten years while enhancing job quality through training programs associated with new technologies.
The Clean Ports Program aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which targets delivering 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
For further details on selected applications under this program visit [Clean Ports Program Selections](https://www.epa.gov/ports).
