Port, Terminal Operators Match Federal Funding to Invest a Total of $644 Million in ZE Equipment, Infrastructure, Drayage Trucks and Community-led Programs
LOS ANGELES – Oct. 29, 2024 – The Port of Los Angeles has been awarded an unprecedented $412 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean Ports Program to bolster the zero-emission (ZE) transition at the nation’s busiest trade gateway. This significant investment is complemented by an additional $236 million from the Port and its private sector partners, culminating in a remarkable $644 million allocation devoted to ZE initiatives at the Port of Los Angeles.
“Thank you, EPA Administrator Michael Regan, for your support of our vision of a zero-emission future,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “With this funding, the nation’s busiest port will be able to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Together, in partnership with the federal government, industry, labor, and environmental justice groups, we are building a greener and healthier Los Angeles.”
The new funding will facilitate the acquisition of nearly 425 pieces of battery electric, human-operated ZE cargo-handling equipment and the establishment of 300 new ZE charging ports, significantly improving the infrastructure available at the Port. Additionally, the investment will enable the deployment of 250 ZE drayage trucks, integral to the transition towards sustainable port operations. Furthermore, the grant allocates $50 million towards a community-led ZE grant program, targeting workforce development and engagement activities aimed at fostering local participation and benefits.
“The San Pedro Bay ports move the goods that power our economy. This historic investment of over $400 million in the Port of Los Angeles is a monumental step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re decarbonizing our supply chain to produce cleaner air and protect public health in Southern California communities while building toward our essential zero-emission goals.”
“We at the EPA are proud to be supporting the Port of Los Angeles’s zero-emission transition with such significant federal funding – this $411.7 million represents the single largest Clean Ports investment of the 55 being announced today,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Replacing diesel-powered port and freight equipment with clean, zero-emission technologies will reduce pollution, improve health outcomes in communities that have suffered for too long, and help advance the campaign to address climate change.”
“This grant is a game changer for the Port of LA and our port communities,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, whose district includes the Port. “Today’s funding announcement is the direct result of a five-year effort by my office to work with labor, environmental justice groups, industry, and ports, to secure billions of dollars to clean up ports across the country. It will help the Port of LA and ports across the country transition to zero-emission, non-automated equipment. This investment will significantly reduce pollution from ports and help our nearby port communities breathe cleaner air.”
“Reducing harmful emissions through more sustainable Port operations has long been a priority for the Port of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. “As we work toward our goal of a zero-emission future, we are deeply grateful to the EPA for their support in helping us accelerate many of our industry-leading zero-emission initiatives.”
“This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero-emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change, while accelerating the port industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This successful application is the culmination of a deep partnership with environmental justice groups, labor, the private sector, and stakeholders at all levels of government.”
“The San Pedro Bay communities have struggled with the impacts of cargo-goods-related emissions for far too long, so we congratulate the Port of Los Angeles on its substantive EPA Clean Ports Grant award to make meaningful progress towards the stated zero-emissions goal,” said Ed Avol, Board Chair of the Harbor Community Benefit Foundation. “The Harbor Community Benefit Foundation looks forward to working with the Port to achieve that goal without delay.”
“This EPA grant and the matching funds to be provided by marine terminals and the Port are critical components in tackling our zero-emission goals,” said Mike Jacob, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. “These important funds put an exclamation mark on the progress that has already been made by the maritime industry in our long-term partnership with the Port of Los Angeles.”
In support of its goal to achieve 100% ZE terminal operations by 2030, the Port, with assistance from the ILWU and several of its private sector tenant partners, submitted the EPA grant application this past May. The application was supported by a coalition of over 100 elected officials, public agencies, business groups, and community organizations.
Zero-emission initiatives supported by the EPA grant and matching funds are expected to significantly reduce emissions from Port operations, decreasing annual emissions of NOx by 55 tons, PM2.5 by 1.5 tons and greenhouse gases by 41,500 tons, and eliminating 3.5 million gallons of annual diesel fuel usage.
Zero-emission, battery-electric cargo-handling equipment purchases supported by the new grant funding will include:
• 337 yard tractors
• 56 top handlers
• 24 heavy duty forklifts
• 10 battery electric storage systems
• Two solar arrays
• 300+ chargers
• 250 drayage trucks
• Auto terminal vessel shore power AMP® connection
The grant will set a new standard for environmental stewardship in the maritime industry by directly funding an innovative, community-led $50 million ZE grant program in partnership with the Harbor Community Benefit Foundation, prioritizing investments that benefit frontline, disadvantaged areas. Investments will be identified through a community-led outreach and selection process that prioritizes projects having the greatest emission reductions and their impact on neighborhoods surrounding the Port.
