To turn the tide against pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the Port of Oakland has been granted an impressive $322 million by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant, part of the federal government's Clean Ports Program, is designed to transform the port's operations to almost entirely zero-emission cargo handling. The Port of Oakland describes the initiative as "Community Led, Business Supported, Proven and Ready to Go! Transforming the Port of Oakland to Zero Emissions."
According to the port, securing the largest federal funding in the Bay Area's history for emission reduction is intended to overhaul the port's infrastructure with over half a billion dollars when combined with local contributions. Despite the Bay Area congressional delegation's strong advocacy, which was acknowledged by Port of Oakland Board President Michael Colbruno, the grant is intended to finance 663 pieces of zero-emissions gear, including 475 drayage trucks and 188 pieces of cargo handling equipment. "This funding will go a long way toward decarbonizing the Oakland supply chain and providing environmental and economic benefits for the region," Colbruno said, pointing to this grant's huge promise, per the Port of Oakland.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao expressed appreciation for the Biden Administration's support beyond just finances, highlighting the human element with better health prospects and green job creation – opportunities that ripple out to lift the working-class communities of Oakland. This grant is not merely money but a lifeline, a herald of better lung health and economic vitality, particularly in West Oakland, where residents benefit from reduced risks of diseases like asthma and cancer. "This grant will enhance our multi-billion dollar hydrogen HUB," Mayor Sheng Thao stated on social media.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Port of Oakland won a $322,167,584 Clean Ports Program Grant, - one of the largest grants issued in this round.
— Mayor Sheng Thao 盛桃 (@MayorShengThao) October 30, 2024
I want to thank the Biden Administration for their continued commitment to the residents of Oakland and the… pic.twitter.com/vcNC7KLLof