The Los Angeles and Oakland seaports have received massive grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean Ports Program to help both seaports advance their zero-emission goals, it was announced Oct. 29.
Los Angeles netted an “unprecedented” $412 million grant, which is expected to fund almost 425 pieces of battery electric, person-operated zero emissions cargo-handling equipment.
Equipment funded by the grant includes 337 yard tractors, 56 top handlers, 24 heavy duty forklifts, more than 300 chargers, 250 drayage trucks and an auto terminal vessel shore power AMP connection, according to the announcement.
The grant also sets aside $50 million for a community-driven zero emissions grant program, workforce development and community engagement activities.
Paired with the grant and $236 million from the port and the private sector, total investment for ZE programs at the port comes to $644 million.
The Port of Oakland received $322 million from the EPA to expedite the port’s transition to convert nearly all cargo handling operations to run on zero emissions. With additional contributions from the port and stakeholders, about $500 million have been invested toward green efforts at the port.
The grant pays for 663 pieces of zero-emissions equipment, including 475 drayage trucks and 188 pieces of cargo handling equipment, the port said.
“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,” EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said.
