The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of 55 applicants from 27 states and territories to receive almost $3 billion in grant funding under its Clean Ports Program. This initiative aims to enhance air quality by facilitating the deployment of zero-emission equipment and related infrastructure.
According to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, this funding aligns with President Biden's vision of fostering economic growth while positioning the U.S. as a leader in innovative environmental solutions. The investment is expected to significantly reduce harmful air and climate pollution, particularly benefiting communities near ports.
The selected projects will fund over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels, along with supporting infrastructure such as shore power systems and electric vehicle charging stations. The agency projects that these new technologies will collectively lower emissions by more than 3 million metric tons of CO2, 12,000 short tons of NOx, and 200 short tons of PM2.5 over the first decade of operation.
Among the notable selections, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will receive $344 million for electric cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure. The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority is set to receive nearly $22 million for battery-electric cargo handling equipment and solar arrays at the Port of Detroit. The Georgia Ports Authority will receive approximately $49 million to implement vessel shore power systems at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick.
Other significant grants include $77 million for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to deploy zero-emission port equipment and $322 million for the Port Department of the City of Oakland for electric and hydrogen cargo handling technologies. Each project will also focus on community engagement and workforce training initiatives to enhance job access in port areas.
Final awards will be made once all legal and administrative requirements are met, with project implementation expected to occur over the next three to four years.