U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a $3 billion funding initiative aimed at transforming America’s port infrastructure through modernisation and clean energy adoption.
This funding, provided by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Ports grants made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, is set to electrify ports nationwide and create an estimated 40,000 well-paying jobs, while also addressing pressing environmental concerns.
“The nation’s ports are the lynchpin of our supply chains and employ over 100,000 union workers across the United States,” the White House stated. “This funding will protect and create good-paying, union jobs and improve working conditions by upgrading port operations and infrastructure with cleaner equipment, ensuring cleaner air for port workers and nearby communities.”
The Clean Ports program will distribute grants to 55 recipients across 27 states and territories. Selected projects are expected to deliver a significant environmental impact, with a projected reduction of over 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution within its first decade—equivalent to the annual energy use of nearly 400,000 homes. The program will fund the acquisition of over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels, all powered by clean energy.
“Today’s historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting workers and nearby communities.”
A prominent grant recipient is the Maryland Port Administration, which will receive $147 million for planning and implementation. This funding will support the purchase of zero-emission equipment, installation of charging infrastructure, and power improvements, ultimately supporting over 2,000 jobs.
This investment is crucial for the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast and a national hub for auto imports and exports. Supporting over 20,000 workers daily, the port contributes significantly to Maryland’s economy with an economic impact estimated at $192 million per day, or more than $70 billion annually, representing 13% of the state’s GDP.
The announcement aligns with the Biden Administration’s broader Investing in America agenda, which has directed over $13 billion for more than 970 projects in Maryland alone. This includes major infrastructure undertakings such as the $4.7 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel replacement and $213 million for modernising light rail vehicles.
Following the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge—which tragically killed six workers and halted port traffic—President Biden pledged his Administration’s full support to reopen the Port of Baltimore.
“Today, port workers are back on the job, once again moving more than 100,000 tons of cargo per day,” the White House noted.
Other major grants include $344 million for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s “Catalysing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future” initiative and $322 million for the Port of Oakland to deploy electric and hydrogen cargo handling equipment, drayage trucks, and battery energy storage systems.
The Clean Ports program not only aligns with the President’s Justice40 Initiative but also supports the administration’s goal of achieving a zero-emission freight sector. As ports transition to cleaner technologies, nearby communities can anticipate improved air quality and reduced health risks from port-related pollution.
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