The Biden administration has announced nearly $3 billion in federal funding to improve and electrify port infrastructure at 55 locations across the country. This initiative aims to support an estimated 40,000 union jobs, reduce pollution, and combat the climate crisis. The funding will also help modernize and make ports more climate-friendly, including the Port of Baltimore, which was the site of a tragic bridge collapse earlier in the year. President Biden made the announcement during a visit to Baltimore’s main port, highlighting the importance of ports in America’s supply chain.
The Port of Baltimore is a key hub for the import and export of motor vehicles and farm equipment, with over 20,000 workers supporting its operations. Biden emphasized the role of ports in keeping the economy strong and supporting union workers, but noted that many ports still run on fossil fuels and aging infrastructure, posing risks to workers and nearby communities. The new funding will help ports cut operating costs, reduce carbon pollution, and create new, good-paying jobs in clean energy manufacturing. Grants announced will support the transition to zero-greenhouse-gas-emission facilities at ports across the country.
The funding for port improvements is part of Biden’s larger climate agenda, supported by a landmark climate law approved in 2022. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized that protecting people and the environment does not hinder the economy but rather goes hand in hand with a strong economy. The grants will help slash millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and harmful pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and meeting climate goals. The funding will also assist in addressing environmental justice issues, including health concerns in communities near ports.
The grant announcements come in the wake of a settlement between the owner and manager of the cargo ship responsible for the Baltimore bridge collapse and the U.S. Justice Department. While the settlement covers cleanup costs, a separate claim by the state of Maryland seeks damages for rebuilding the bridge, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by infrastructure projects. The grants awarded through the Clean Ports program will help fulfill Biden and Harris’s promise to tackle the climate crisis, rebuild infrastructure, and uplift communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
California ports will receive a significant portion of the funding, with over $1 billion allocated for seven California ports. The Port of Los Angeles will receive the largest award in the country, totaling $411 million. Senator Alex Padilla of California welcomed the grant announcement, noting the importance of California ports in the nation’s economy. The EPA grants will help decarbonize the supply chain, reduce emissions, create green jobs, and support climate goals. Overall, the federal funding for port improvements underscores the administration’s commitment to clean energy, job creation, and environmental protection across the country.
