The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment of over $1 billion in clean port initiatives in California. This funding, provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program, is part of the broader Investing in America agenda. The initiative aims to deploy zero-emission port infrastructure and advance climate and air quality planning projects.
Seven ports in California have been selected to receive a total of $1,001,354,346. These ports include the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department, Port Department of the City of Oakland, Oxnard Harbor District Port of Hueneme, Port of Redwood City, San Diego Unified Port District, Port of San Francisco, and Stockton Port District.
The grants are supported by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and are intended to reduce diesel air pollution from U.S. ports while promoting good-paying union jobs. EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman stated that "replacing diesel-powered port and freight equipment with clean, zero-emission technologies will reduce air pollution."
Specific allocations include $411 million for the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department to replace diesel-powered equipment with battery-electric alternatives and develop workforce training programs. Gene Seroka from the Port of Los Angeles expressed gratitude for this support: “This transformative investment will be key in accelerating the transition to zero emissions across the port industry.”
The Port Department of the City of Oakland will receive $322 million for deploying electric and hydrogen cargo handling equipment. Danny Wan from the Port of Oakland acknowledged community partnerships for making this grant possible.
Oxnard Harbor District Port of Hueneme is set to receive over $41 million for electric cargo handling equipment deployment along with an additional grant for climate planning activities.
Other ports receiving funding include Redwood City ($1.9 million), San Diego Unified ($58 million), San Francisco ($55 million), and Stockton ($110 million). Each project focuses on transitioning to zero-emission technologies while enhancing workforce development opportunities.
EPA's Clean Ports Program aims not only at environmental benefits but also economic competitiveness through innovation in clean technologies. The program aligns with national goals for a zero-emission freight sector as outlined in various federal strategies.
