Major strides are being made towards a zero-emission future for Los Angeles, with Mayor Karen Bass announcing a significant federal funding boost for environmental initiatives at the Port of Los Angeles. A total of $412 million has been granted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Ports Program, as reported by the Mayor's Office. This investment marks the largest sum allocated to the Port of Los Angeles for environmental efforts to date and complements the previously awarded $500 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA aimed at curbing pollution related to goods movement in Southern California.
Mayor Bass expressed her gratitude for the federal support, stating, "Thank you, Administrator Regan, for your support of our vision of a zero-emission future," as per the Mayor's Office. She emphasized Los Angeles' commitment to innovation in infrastructure and sustainability, according to a statement obtained by the city's official news release. The Mayor's Office of Energy and Sustainability has been particularly active, and their advocacy has paid off with this latest funding approval, following EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan's visit to San Pedro, which underscored the federal government's endorsement of greener policies in Los Angeles.
Lucille Roybal-Allard, President of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission, expressed gratitude for the EPA's backing, which will help expedite several leading zero-emission initiatives at the port. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, provided his perspective, "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," as quoted by the Mayor's Office. He assured that they would continue to collaborate closely with fence-line communities to ensure tangible benefits from this investment are realized.
In alignment to achieve fully zero-emission terminal operations by 2030, this funding will facilitate the purchase of environmentally friendly port equipment like yard tractors, drayage trucks, top handlers, heavy forklifts, battery electric storage systems, and chargers. Furthermore, the grant will pioneer a standard for environmental stewardship within the maritime industry via a $50 million community-led Zero Emission (ZE) grant program executed in partnership with the Harbor Community Benefits Foundation. This initiative will focus on investments that favor frontline, disadvantaged areas, and follow a community-led process to identify projects with the most significant emission reductions and impacts, according to the city's announcement.
