The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the ambitious $3 billion Clean Ports Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming port infrastructure to combat climate change and enhance air quality across U.S. ports. This monumental investment, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, underscores a commitment to environmental justice and job creation while bolstering the nation’s global competitiveness.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, joined by Governor Roy Cooper in Wilmington, North Carolina, announced the launch of this historic program. Designed to tackle diesel pollution and advance environmental justice, the Clean Ports Program will catalyze the adoption of zero-emission technologies, creating a cleaner, healthier future for communities near ports.
Administrator Regan emphasized President Biden’s vision of economic growth intertwined with environmental stewardship. With $3 billion allocated for cleaner and more efficient port technologies, the initiative aims to protect both port workers and neighboring communities from harmful air pollutants.
Governor Cooper hailed the Biden Administration’s investments in infrastructure and clean energy, recognizing their pivotal role in revitalizing supply chains and creating high-quality jobs. The program reflects a concerted effort to address the adverse impacts of port-related pollution while fortifying essential supply chain infrastructure.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, underscored the significance of today’s announcement, characterizing it as an investment in a cleaner, healthier future for port communities. The Clean Ports Program aligns with President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice and the Justice40 Initiative, striving to ensure equitable distribution of benefits from federal climate investments.
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory emphasized the administration’s dedication to providing clean air and water to all Americans, particularly those disproportionately affected by pollution. The program aims to empower communities near ports with cleaner air and a healthier environment, aligning with the President’s ambitious environmental justice agenda.
Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi hailed the Clean Ports Program as a transformative initiative, heralding a shift towards cleaner, greener port operations. By leveraging innovative technologies and creating sustainable jobs, the program aims to achieve fully zero-emission port operations, marking a significant milestone in environmental justice and economic progress.
EPA opens two grant competitions — funding zero-emission port equipment, infrastructure and planning to tackle the climate crisis, reduce pollution, and advance environmental justice.
The Clean Ports Program comprises two key components: the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition and the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition. These competitions will fund the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, as well as climate and air quality planning activities, respectively.
With nearly $2.8 billion allocated for zero-emission technology deployment and approximately $150 million for climate and air quality planning, the program aims to drive transformative change across the freight sector. By supporting next-generation technologies and fostering community engagement, the Clean Ports Program seeks to ensure cleaner, safer, and more efficient port operations nationwide.
This historic investment builds upon the success of previous EPA initiatives and underscores a commitment to innovation, job creation, and environmental protection. As part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions at ports, the Clean Ports Program represents a pivotal step towards a sustainable, equitable future for all Americans.
Key Points:
- Launch of $3 Billion Clean Ports Program: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the Clean Ports Program, a $3 billion initiative aimed at revolutionizing port infrastructure to combat climate change and improve air quality.
- Part of President Biden’s Agenda: The Clean Ports Program is a crucial component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, reflecting a commitment to environmental justice, job creation, and economic revitalization.
- Focus on Zero-Emission Technologies: The program will fund the adoption of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, targeting diesel pollution and advancing environmental justice in communities surrounding ports.
- Historic Climate Investment: President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, provides the funding for the Clean Ports Program, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
- Collaborative Effort: EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, alongside Governor Roy Cooper, announced the program’s launch, highlighting the collaborative efforts of federal and state authorities in advancing clean energy initiatives.
- Job Creation and Economic Benefits: The Clean Ports Program is expected to create good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector while enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness through innovation and infrastructure development.
- Environmental Justice and Equity: The program aligns with President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice and the Justice40 Initiative, aiming to ensure that disadvantaged communities benefit from federal investments in climate and clean energy.
- Two Funding Opportunities: The program comprises two main components: the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition and the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition, focusing on deploying clean technologies and planning for emissions reduction.
- Comprehensive Approach: By supporting zero-emission technologies and fostering community engagement, the Clean Ports Program aims to drive transformative change across the freight sector, ensuring cleaner, safer, and more efficient port operations nationwide.
- Building on Past Success: The Clean Ports Program builds upon the success of previous EPA initiatives, such as the Ports Initiative and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act programs, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in environmental protection.