The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that six ports in Washington will receive over $104 million from the Clean Ports Program. This initiative aims to support the deployment of zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, as well as climate and air quality planning projects.
The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, described as the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history. The goal is to reduce diesel air pollution at U.S. ports while supporting union jobs.
"Ports in the Pacific Northwest have for years provided access to global markets and been economic engines supporting thousands of jobs," said Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. He emphasized that this funding will aid efforts to transition port operations to cleaner solutions.
Rep. Derek Kilmer highlighted the significance of these investments for regions like the Olympic Peninsula and South Sound, noting improvements in safety, climate resilience, and reduced emissions without burdening local taxpayers.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal expressed pride in seeing nearly $6 million allocated to the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Seattle for emission reduction plans and sustainable fuel studies. She stated her commitment to further supporting investments toward a zero-emissions future.
Rep. Rick Larsen underscored the need for continued investments in Northwest Washington ports, citing benefits such as job creation and environmental protection.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pointed out how these funds will improve efficiency at the Port of Vancouver by supporting new harbor cranes and shore power installation at Terminal 1.
Julianna Marler, CEO of Port of Vancouver USA, acknowledged this grant as a significant step forward for their Climate Action Plan, enabling investments in zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure.
Port of Seattle Commission President Hamdi Mohamed appreciated federal funding for maritime decarbonization studies which align with carbon emission reduction goals.
Port of Anacortes Executive Director Brett Greenwood noted that a $65 million investment would bring new zero-emissions equipment while providing essential training for marine trades workers.
Specific allocations include $65 million for Port of Anacortes to conduct emissions inventory and develop an emissions reduction plan; over $22 million for Port of Vancouver; nearly $10 million for Port of Port Angeles; approximately $3 million each for Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Seattle; and over $1.5 million for Port of Bellingham.
These grants are part of EPA's efforts to install clean technologies at ports nationwide, aiming to eliminate more than 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually. In February 2024, EPA announced two competitions: one focused on zero-emission technology deployment, another on climate planning activities. The agency received requests totaling over $8 billion from applicants seeking advancements in clean technologies at U.S. ports.
EPA selected 55 applications after reviewing them based on workforce development efforts aligned with national goals like a zero-emission freight sector strategy. Awardees will finalize project plans with EPA before moving into implementation phases expected within three to four years.
For more information about selected applications under the Clean Ports Program, visit their webpage online.
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