Administration announces $3 billion port spending

President Biden has announced the allocation of $3 billion through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, to 55 projects across 27 states and territories. The Maryland Port Administration will receive $147 million in funding, aimed at both implementation and planning. "The initiative will modernize port infrastructure, foster cleaner operations, and improve working conditions, while promoting economic growth and environmental justice," according to the White House.

Improving Port Infrastructure and Reducing Emissions
The Clean Ports program will replace diesel-powered equipment with battery-electric and hydrogen-powered alternatives, deploying over 1,500 units of cargo-handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels. Additionally, the funding will support shore power systems and renewable energy infrastructure. The program aims to eliminate over 3 million metric tons of carbon emissions in its first decade, equivalent to the annual energy use of 391,220 homes.

Boosting the Economy and Creating Jobs
This investment will generate approximately 40,000 jobs, including 6,500 in manufacturing. By expanding the demand for American-made electric equipment, the program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s objective to achieve a zero-emission freight sector. The initiative also adheres to the President’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring 40% of benefits flow to disadvantaged communities impacted by pollution.

Port of Baltimore as a Key Beneficiary
The Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, will receive over $145 million to electrify its cargo-handling operations and reduce emissions. This project will support 2,000 jobs, including 350 in manufacturing, and contribute to a transition towards zero-emission port operations. The Maryland Port Administration will also receive a $2 million planning grant to guide future emission reductions.

Strengthening Labor and Union Opportunities
President Biden's focus on promoting union jobs is reflected in the Clean Ports initiative. The Administration’s policies emphasize fair wages and workplace safety, with the majority of projects under the program adhering to Davis-Bacon wage standards. These policies aim to empower unions, which have experienced growth under the current administration.

Ongoing Investments in Maryland Infrastructure
This announcement builds on previous investments in Maryland, including $4.7 billion for Amtrak’s Frederick Douglass Tunnel and $213 million for new light rail vehicles. The federal government has also funded airport upgrades, harbor tunnel improvements, and school bus electrification. The Biden-Harris Administration's agenda has delivered over $13 billion to Maryland, with $3 billion in private sector investments complementing these efforts.

EPA Clean Ports: A National Impact
Selected projects across the U.S., such as at the ports of New York and New Jersey, Detroit, and Oakland, will use the Clean Ports funding to deploy zero-emission technologies, improve air quality, and engage with local communities. These efforts align with the Administration’s National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in clean technologies and supporting sustainable job growth.

By integrating environmental policy with economic development, the Clean Ports program underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing both environmental justice and economic opportunity.

[EPA Announcement]

[White House Fact Sheet]