The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment of $105 million for the Port of Corpus Christi as part of its Clean Ports Program. This funding, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, aims to deploy zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure.
Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative is the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history. It seeks to reduce diesel air pollution from U.S. ports and surrounding communities while creating good-paying union jobs.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, “Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy.” He emphasized that this $3 billion investment aligns with President Biden’s vision for economic growth through globally competitive solutions.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance highlighted the importance of reducing diesel emissions at ports to make them more sustainable and healthier for nearby communities. She noted that this funding continues to invest in the future while addressing present environmental justice concerns.
The Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA), along with partners in the rail and service vessel sectors, will use the funds to transition towards de-carbonized cargo handling and shipping operations. The project includes purchasing battery electric zero-emission forklifts, a sweeper truck, locomotives, tugboats, charging infrastructure, and high voltage shore power equipment for liquid bulk tankers.
Ports play a vital role in the U.S. economy but contribute significantly to diesel air pollution affecting nearby communities' health and climate change. The funds will help improve air quality by installing clean technologies at ports nationwide, eliminating over 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution.
In February 2024, EPA announced two funding opportunities for U.S. ports: a Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition and a Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition. These competitions received over $8 billion in requests from applicants across the country seeking to advance clean technologies at U.S. ports.
After reviewing applications rigorously, EPA selected 55 projects for this historic investment based on their workforce development efforts and alignment with national goals for a zero-emission freight sector.
Selected projects cover various human-operated equipment used at ports, supporting purchases of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered equipment along with necessary infrastructure like charging stations and solar power generation systems.
Initial estimates suggest significant reductions in CO2 emissions from new equipment within ten years of operation. These figures will be refined as more detailed information becomes available from selectees.
The program not only aims to protect human health but also supports job creation in the domestic clean energy sector while enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness through innovation in zero-emissions technology.
EPA’s Clean Ports Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative by delivering benefits to disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution. The program emphasizes community engagement as part of its design process.
Awards will be made once all legal requirements are met, with selectees working closely with EPA to finalize project plans before implementation over three to four years depending on each project's scope.
For more information about tentatively selected applications under the Clean Ports Program, visit their webpage or connect with EPA Region 6 on social media platforms like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).
