The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Port of Oakland $322 million to fast track the Oakland Seaport’s conversion to nearly 100 percent zero-emissions cargo handling operations.
The Port’s historic and transformative proposal is called “Community Led, Business Supported, Proven and Ready to Go! Transforming the Port of Oakland to Zero Emissions.” The federal funding announcement, when matched with Port and local partner contributions, will unlock approximately half a billion dollars in total investment for green initiatives at the Oakland seaport.
This is the largest-ever amount of federal funding for a Bay Area program aimed at cutting emissions from seaport cargo operations. The grant will finance 663 pieces of zero-emissions equipment which includes 475 drayage trucks and 188 pieces of cargo handling equipment.
“The Clean Ports grant from the U.S. EPA is a major environmental victory,” said Port of Oakland Board President Michael Colbruno. “We are grateful to U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the Bay Area congressional delegation who stood together in strong advocacy for this grant. This funding will go a long way toward decarbonizing the Oakland supply chain and providing environmental and economic benefits for the region.”
By replacing diesel-powered vehicles, this project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 24,000 tons annually, in addition to a significant decrease in particulate matter pollution. This project will directly benefit the health of communities in West and East Oakland, areas historically impacted by heavy port traffic and freight emissions. This initiative also aligns with the California Air Resources Board’s Priority Climate Action Plan and the Port’s “Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan.”
(Port of Oakland photo)
