The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Port of Oakland $322 million to accelerate the Oakland Seaport’s transition to nearly 100 per cent zero-emission cargo handling operations.
The federal funding announcement, combined with contributions from the port and local partners, will result in about $500 million in total investment for green projects at the Oakland ports.
This is the highest amount of government funds ever allocated to a Bay Area initiative targeted at reducing emissions from port cargo operations.
The award will fund 663 pieces of zero-emissions equipment, including 475 drayage vehicles and 188 cargo handling units.
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Port of Oakland Board President, Michael Colbruno, said: “The Clean Ports grant from the U.S. EPA is a major environmental victory. This funding will go a long way toward decarbonising the Oakland supply chain and providing environmental and economic benefits for the region.”
The port said it worked with a diverse range of project partners and community groups to create a comprehensive programme that would assist the port in meeting its zero-emissions targets sooner.
Elected officials, West and East Oakland neighbourhood leaders, port stakeholders, industrial partners, labour, regulatory agencies, and non-profit groups all supported this comprehensive alliance as the EPA reviewed the port’s application following an extremely competitive countrywide request.
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U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, stated: “This investment will protect Oakland from the damaging effects of fossil fuels and will move us faster toward a zero-emissions future.
“I’d like to thank the Biden-Harris administration for their leadership and my colleagues in Congress from the Bay area delegation for their work in helping secure this funding. It is critical that we continue to invest in zero-emissions operations, and I’m proud the Port of Oakland is leading the way.”
