EPA Awards $412 Million to Port of Los Angeles for Electric Transformation
The port will utilize the funds to further develop zero-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles and battery charging stations.
The Port of Los Angeles has been granted an unprecedented $412 million to combat pollution and adopt more zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, as announced by the port on Oct. 29.
Additionally, the port will invest in charging infrastructure, solar power generation infrastructure, and battery energy storage systems.
“While ports play an essential role in the movement of goods, the associated costs in terms of pollution and impacts on overburdened communities must be addressed,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman in the EPA statement. “Replacing diesel-powered port and freight equipment with clean, zero-emission technologies will reduce air pollution, improve health outcomes in nearby communities, and advance the campaign to combat climate change.”
The grant will be matched by the port and its private partners with an additional $236 million.
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The port intends to acquire almost 425 units of battery electric cargo-handling equipment, set up 300 new zero-emission charging ports and other related infrastructure, and deploy 250 zero-emission drayage trucks. The grant will also allocate $50 million for workforce development and community engagement initiatives.
The funding will also enable the purchase of 337 yard tractors, 56 top handlers, 24 heavy-duty forklifts, 10 battery electric storage systems, and two solar arrays.
The EPA anticipates that the grant and matching funds will help reduce annual emissions of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide by 55 tons, PM2.5 pollution by 1.5 tons, and greenhouse gases by 41,500 tons. It also expects the funds to eliminate the use of 3.5 million gallons of diesel fuel annually.
“With this funding, the nation’s busiest port will be able to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated.
The funds are considered essential by officials to meet the port’s environmental objectives and accelerate the industry’s transition to zero-emission infrastructure.
Other California Cities
The EPA received more than $8 billion worth of funding requests from applicants across the country.
Seven California ports in total, including Los Angeles, were selected to receive a combined $1 billion through the Clean Ports Program.
The funds will be used for similar purposes at several ports, including the deployment of electric and hydrogen cargo handling equipment, trucks, charging infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, and retiring some of the existing diesel fleet.
The Port of San Francisco is expected to use $55 million to complete an emissions-free ferry system on the waterfront and two terminals in Alameda County.
The Port Department of the City of Oakland is projected to receive $322 million for equipment upgrades and other projects, and the Port of Redwood City will receive nearly $2 million. Meanwhile, the Stockton Port District is anticipated to receive $110 million.
The San Diego Unified Port District is also expected to receive $59 million, while the Oxnard Harbor District Port of Hueneme will receive $41 million.
