The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $3 billion in grants through its Clean Ports Program, a major initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, to support zero-emission port equipment, infrastructure, and climate-focused planning at ports across 27 states and territories. The new funding builds on the EPA’s Ports Initiative, which assists U.S. ports in mitigating public health and environmental impacts on nearby communities.
“This investment aligns with broader goals to reduce climate pollution and ensure our ports can operate more sustainably, benefiting workers and nearby communities.”
Michael S. Regan | EPA Administrator
CLEAN PORTS PROGRAM FUNDING GOALS
The Clean Ports Program objective is to position ports as leaders in the transition to zero-emission operations, reduce pollution in near-port communities, and incorporate emissions planning into port operations.
The Clean Ports Program consists of two distinct funding opportunities:
The Climate and Air Quality Planning (CAQP) Competition supports climate and air quality planning at ports while enabling stakeholders to build capacity for reducing emissions over time.
The Zero-Emission Technology Deployment (ZE Tech) Competition funds the deployment of zero-emission equipment and infrastructure to reduce diesel emissions and greenhouse gases in port operations.
The projects awarded through this program will introduce more than 1,500 pieces of zero-emission cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels. Additionally, funds will support battery-electric and hydrogen charging infrastructure, shore power systems, and solar power generation. This effort is expected to eliminate over 3 million metric tons of carbon emissions, roughly the equivalent to one year of energy use for 391,229 residential homes.
IMPACT ON NEAR-PORT COMMUNITIES
Many of the awarded projects are located in economically disadvantaged areas facing air quality concerns and support the program’s goal of improving air quality and reducing exposure to diesel pollutants in near-port communities. Some of these projects will work alongside existing charging and hydrogen infrastructure deployments to accelerate zero-emission freight and passenger movement.
Projects receiving CAQP funding will support baseline emissions inventories, climate action plans, and advisory forums. Zero-Emission Technology Deployment projects, such as those at the Ports of New York, Detroit, Savannah, Philadelphia, and Oakland, will replace diesel vehicles with electric models and install new power systems for vessels, helping to reduce emissions and address pollution in surrounding areas.
FEATURED CLEAN PORT PROJECTS
The following featured Clean Ports projects demonstrate the scope and diversity of the initiatives funded under the Program:
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ): Awarded $344 million, PANYNJ will deploy electric cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks, supported by new charging infrastructure, as part of its “Catalyzing Change” project.
Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority: Allocated approximately $21.9 million, this project will initiate Detroit’s transition to zero-emission cargo equipment and vehicles, supported by solar arrays.
Georgia Ports Authority (GPA): Expected to receive $48.7 million, GPA will install vessel shore power systems at its Savannah and Brunswick facilities, providing alternatives to diesel engines and supporting electric tractor deployment.
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority: With an anticipated $77.6 million, the Port of Philadelphia will deploy zero-emission equipment and reduce its diesel fleet.
Port of Oakland: Allocated around $322 million, the Port of Oakland will introduce electric and hydrogen-powered equipment with a focus on sustainability.
The EPA anticipates finalizing project plans with grant recipients over the coming months, with the implementation phase expected to span the next three to four years, depending on each project’s scope.
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