WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is set to allocate nearly $3 billion to enhance climate-friendly infrastructure and equipment at ports nationwide, including efforts in Baltimore, which experienced a tragic bridge collapse earlier this year that resulted in the loss of six construction workers’ lives and significantly affected shipping routes on the East Coast for several months.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Baltimore’s primary port on Tuesday for the announcement of these grants. Officials have stated that this funding will electrify and improve port facilities at 55 locations across the country, generating approximately 40,000 union jobs, while also addressing pollution and the ongoing climate crisis. This visit comes just a week before Election Day and aims to emphasize the commitment of the Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris to clean energy initiatives that also create and protect well-paying union positions.
The Port of Baltimore ranks as one of the busiest ports along the East Coast, serving as a critical hub for the import and export of vehicles and agricultural machinery. The port’s operations engage over 20,000 workers, including unionized longshoremen and truck drivers.
Among the grants being unveiled on Tuesday is $147 million designated for the Maryland Port Administration. This funding is expected to generate over 2,000 jobs by facilitating the acquisition and installation of cargo-handling equipment and trucks to transform the port into a facility that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The Maryland port is part of a broader initiative that affects 55 ports across 27 states and territories, all receiving nearly $3 billion through the Clean Ports Program, which is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other ports benefiting from this funding include the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority, as well as those in Savannah, Brunswick, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Oakland.
This grant funding is made possible by Biden’s unprecedented climate law enacted in 2022, marking the largest clean energy investment in U.S. history.
During a briefing with reporters at the White House on Monday, officials highlighted that these grants will promote environmental justice by mitigating diesel pollution from American ports. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the vital role ports play in the economy, describing them as essential hubs supporting commerce, supply chains, and job creation. Regan underscored that many communities near ports face significant air quality concerns due to pollution and affirmed that protecting the environment does not hinder economic growth, subtly countering criticisms from former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies,
Regan asserted, “In fact, healthy communities and a strong economy go hand in hand.”
The announcement of these grants follows a recent federal commitment of $31 million aimed at rehabilitating a part of Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal. This comes shortly after the owner and operator of the cargo ship linked to the bridge collapse agreed to pay over $102 million to cover cleanup costs stemming from a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department. However, this settlement does not include any compensation for the bridge’s reconstruction, which may require nearly $2 billion. In response, the state of Maryland has filed its claim to seek these damages and others.
According to Regan, the Clean Ports program is set to significantly reduce more than 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to the annual energy use of roughly 400,000 homes. Furthermore, it is expected to decrease 12,000 short tons of nitrogen oxides and other harmful pollutants.
John Podesta, a senior adviser to the president on international climate issues, stressed that this funding aligns with the commitments made by Biden and Harris to rejuvenate the nation’s infrastructure, combat the climate emergency, and support communities that have historically dealt with high pollution levels.
In February, the EPA unveiled two distinct funding opportunities for U.S. ports: one aimed directly at financing zero-emission equipment and infrastructure projects and another focused on climate and air quality improvements. The demand for this funding was substantial, with over $8 billion requested by applicants nationwide.
Vernice Miller-Travis, a prominent environmental justice advocate, expressed her support for the EPA grants, highlighting that years of concerns raised by environmental and public health advocates regarding pollution impacts at ports are finally being addressed. “What an incredible moment this is,” she remarked, noting, “Fifty-five projects, almost $3 billion in funding. This is real money. And we know when you see these kinds of investments that you can really make transformation in local conditions and local operations and in people’s lives.”