EPA: Clean Ports for Greener Supply Chains

Share
The EPA's US$2.8bn Clean Ports Program aims to modernise US supply chains
The EPA's US$2.8bn Clean Ports Program aims to modernise US supply chains by funding zero-emission equipment and infrastructure to reduce pollution

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated US$2.8bn through its Clean Ports Programme to support zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure at ports across 27 states and territories.

This major funding initiative aims to reduce harmful emissions, improve efficiency in supply chains and address environmental concerns in nearby communities.

Targeting emissions from ports — a crucial link in the national supply chain — the programme builds on the EPA’s existing Ports Initiative, which seeks to cut diesel emissions and improve air quality at these essential hubs.

Key elements of the clean ports programme

The US$2.8bn funding is split between two primary competitions: the Climate and Air Quality Planning (CAQP) Competition and the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment (ZE Tech) Competition.

  • CAQP Competition: This focuses on preparing ports for long-term zero-emissions operations, equipping port authorities and stakeholders with the tools to improve climate and air quality planning

  • ZE Tech Competition: This funds the deployment of zero-emissions equipment and renewable energy infrastructure. Examples include battery-electric and hydrogen-powered drayage trucks, cargo handling equipment, and locomotives. Additionally, it supports renewable energy systems like solar power and shore power connections, which allow ships to use electricity rather than diesel while docked.

Youtube Placeholder

Together, these address both long-term planning and immediate technology upgrades.

The programme outlines several major objectives, including:

  • Accelerating the shift to zero emissions operations at ports, with a broader influence on the freight sector
  • Reducing diesel pollution in port-adjacent communities, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental justice issues
  • Embedding emissions reduction planning and community engagement as industry standards.

The EPA estimates the programme will fund more than 1,500 pieces of zero-emissions cargo equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives and 20 vessels.

Modernisation efforts also include installing more than 300 charging ports and advancing renewable energy projects such as solar generation and battery storage systems.

Major port investments

Significant portions of the funding are being directed towards major US ports to advance their sustainability goals without compromising their vital role in supply chains. 

  • Port of Los Angeles: Receiving US$411m, it plans to deploy 250 zero-emissions drayage trucks and 300 charging stations. It will also upgrade cargo handling equipment, implement solar energy systems and introduce vessel shore power to minimise emissions while ships are docked

  • Port of Oakland: With a US$322m award, it will add 475 zero-emissions drayage trucks and expand its charging infrastructure. It also aims to diversify clean energy use by incorporating hydrogen-powered equipment

  • Port of San Diego: Awarded US$58m, the port will focus on deploying electric cargo equipment and zero-emissions vehicles alongside new shore power systems for vessels.

Other ports are also leveraging these funds to advance sustainability.

The initiative also includes modernisation efforts like extensive renewable energy projects, such as solar generation

The ports of New York and New Jersey are jointly receiving US$344m to implement electric cargo equipment and drayage trucks. Maryland’s Port of Baltimore has been allocated US$146m for similar upgrades.

Delaware’s Port of Wilmington will use its US$127m to build electric equipment and expand its charging capacity.

Meanwhile, Hawaii is focusing on hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, with US$56m allocated to develop this capability at Honolulu Harbour.

A sustainable supply chain future

The Clean Ports Programme is not just improving port infrastructure but is also fostering innovation and collaboration throughout the logistics sector.

This aligns with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, which envisions a greener freight network across the US.

Delaware’s Port of Wilmington (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Many funded projects reflect this strategy by developing electric and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure while encouraging public-private partnerships.

Utah’s Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal, for example, is investing US$110m in electric locomotives, cargo equipment and solar power systems.

Georgia, Connecticut and Delaware are all prioritising electric charging and cargo-handling systems, demonstrating a shared commitment to modernising the freight sector.


Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.


Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand

Share

Featured Articles

How Workiva is Transforming ESG Reporting Strategies

Corporate reporting platform Workiva's latest study reveals 97% of executives see sustainability data integration as key to business growth by 2026

This Week's Top Five Stories in Sustainability

This week's top stories include a forecast for DEI across 2025, missed UN NDC deadlines, energy revolution in the Baltics, Starbucks' legal case & AI laws

McKinsey Will ‘Boldy Pursue’ DEI in Face of Storm

Reports say McKinsey has doubled down on DEI initiatives despite other high-profile firms and businesses retreating from pledges after US executive orders

Apple, IBM & GM Amongst Those Set For DEI Showdowns in 2025

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)

Which 10 Nations Met the UN's Deadline for NDC Targets?

Net Zero

What Next as Baltic States Switch off Russian Energy Supply?

Renewable Energy