$3 Billion IRA Climate Funding to Electrify Major U.S. Ports for a Greener Future

In a significant move towards sustainability, the Biden administration has unveiled a groundbreaking funding initiative aimed at electrifying ports across the United States. This initiative, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, allocates nearly $3 billion through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to support the transition to zero-emissions operations at some of the nation’s largest and most polluting ports.

The funding will facilitate the introduction of electric trucks, cargo-handling equipment, and essential charging infrastructure, marking a pivotal shift in how goods are transported in the U.S. Paul Cort, director of Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "This infusion of $3 billion to electrify port trucks and port operations around the nation should help usher in a new era of moving goods in the U.S. without pumping pollution into portside communities. We want to see ports now quickly jump into action and build detailed blueprints for how they will use these funds to shape a zero-emissions future."

The impact of diesel emissions from trucks, cargo-handling equipment, and ships has long plagued communities near shipping ports, contributing to some of the dirtiest air quality in the nation. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, for instance, are notorious for being the largest fixed source of air pollution in the most ozone-polluted region of the country. The transition to electric options is expected to significantly improve air quality for millions of Americans living near these ports.

A total of 55 grants have been awarded to 27 states and territories, with substantial amounts directed to key ports. Notably, the Port of Los Angeles is set to receive $411 million, while the Ports of New York and New Jersey will get $344 million. Other significant allocations include $21 million for the Port of Detroit, $49 million for the Port of Savannah, $78 million for the Port of Philadelphia, and $322 million for the Port of Oakland. These grants will not only support the deployment of zero-emission equipment but also enhance charging infrastructure and planning projects to facilitate a transition to an electric future at ports nationwide.

Earthjustice, a leading nonprofit environmental law organization, is committed to leveraging the power of law and partnerships to protect public health, preserve wildlife, and combat climate change. As they advocate for cleaner air and a sustainable future, Earthjustice stands ready to defend the Antiquities Act and the national monuments protected under this vital legislation.