President Joe Biden announced $3 billion in funding to support zero-emission equipment and air quality improvements at US ports. The initiative, unveiled at the Port of Baltimore, comes as port operators consider transitioning from diesel-powered to electric cranes, forklifts, tractors, and trucks.
According to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, this funding package will prevent over 3 million tons of carbon emissions—the equivalent of the annual energy use of 400,000 homes—over its first decade. Additionally, it is expected to cut 12,000 short tons of nitrogen oxides and 200 short tons of PM 2.5 particulate matter, benefiting communities near ports.
The funding will aid 55 projects focused on zero-emission equipment, charging infrastructure, battery systems, and workforce training. Regan emphasised that the initiative aims to incorporate community feedback, bolster resilience against extreme weather, and foster workforce development partnerships with local educational institutions. John Podesta, Biden’s senior adviser on climate policy, added that the plan would support over 40,000 jobs across manufacturing, transport, logistics, and engineering sectors nationwide.
Most ports currently rely on diesel-fueled equipment, but the lack of cost clarity has hindered the shift to cleaner technology. The new funding aims to mitigate financial risks for operators, making zero-emission investments more appealing, said Fern Uennatornwaranggoon, climate campaign director at Pacific Environment.
The largest grants include $411.7 million for the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department, $380 million for the Virginia Port Authority, $347.1 million for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and $322.2 million for the City of Oakland’s port. Baltimore’s port will receive $147 million for zero-emission equipment, diesel scrappage, and a detailed emissions reduction strategy. Biden has frequently spotlighted investments at the Port of Baltimore, especially after the temporary shutdown following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In 2019, the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey—the nation’s largest—emitted over 2.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent, underscoring the significant potential impact of this initiative. While the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently committed to a 100% emission reduction goal by 2050, Executive Director Rick Cotton noted the need for further technology development to address all port equipment needs.
