“President Biden Announces $3 Billion Investment to Strengthen Port Infrastructure and Combat Climate Crisis at the Port of Baltimore”
President Joe Biden announced a $3 billion investment package at the Port of Baltimore on Tuesday to improve and electrify climate-friendly infrastructure and equipment at ports across the United States. This initiative aims to support approximately 40,000 union jobs while reducing pollution and addressing the climate crisis.
The investment includes $147 million to support more than 2,000 jobs at the Maryland Port Administration. This funding will be used to purchase and install zero-emissions port equipment, power improvements, and charging infrastructure. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of port operations while also benefiting nearby communities by reducing air pollution.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the importance of addressing air quality challenges faced by communities near ports. Diesel pollution from trucks, ships, and other port machinery can have serious health implications for residents in these areas. The EPA Clean Ports grants, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will be awarded to 55 selectees in 27 states and territories to support clean port initiatives.
The Clean Ports program is expected to significantly increase demand for electric cargo handling equipment made in America. This initiative will improve port air quality nationwide by implementing clean ferry and freight technologies that will eliminate over three million metric tons of pollution in the first decade of implementation.
The investment will also fund the purchase of hydrogen-powered and battery-electric equipment, including drayage trucks, cargo handling equipment units, vessels, locomotives, and onshore power systems for ships. Additionally, solar power generation and fueling infrastructure for hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles will be supported.
This program aligns with the Justice40 Initiative and the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of achieving zero-emissions freight. Environmental justice advocate Vernice Miller-Travis praised the investment, highlighting its potential to transform local conditions and improve people’s lives.
President Biden’s visit to the Port of Baltimore comes after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and disrupted ship traffic at the port. The administration is committed to quickly reconstructing the bridge in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation and holding the DALI cargo ship owners accountable for the disaster.
Overall, the $3 billion investment in port infrastructure and equipment represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient maritime industry in the United States. The initiative not only supports job creation and economic growth but also prioritizes environmental protection and public health in port communities.