Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – The Port of Oakland was awarded a $4 million grant for its zero-emissions initiatives at the Oakland Seaport. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) made the announcement last week.
This federal funding will advance the introduction of zero-emissions equipment at the Oakland Seaport and help improve overall air quality at the Oakland Seaport and in neighboring communities. The Port and its tenant, Eagle Rock Aggregates, will receive $4 million for five, Class 8 heavy duty electric trucks, an electric street sweeper, an electric pick-up truck, and electric vehicle chargers.
This FHWA funding was made possible with support from the Biden Administration, Senators Laphonza Butler, Alex Padilla, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, along with the Bay Area congressional delegation.
“The climate crisis demands that we act with urgency to protect our communities from the damage caused by fossil fuels,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Thanks to investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Oakland is receiving crucial funding that will move us faster toward a zero-emissions future. I’d like to thank the Biden-Harris administration for their leadership and my colleagues in the Bay area delegation, as well as Senators Butler and Padilla, for working alongside me to help secure this funding. It is crucial that we continue to invest in zero-emissions operations, and I’m pleased the Port of Oakland is leading the way.”
Port Says Equipment Will Be In Operation by 2025
The zero-emissions vehicles and charging equipment are planned to be in operation by 2025, with a total estimated project cost of $5.1 million. It will help minimize vehicle idling, emissions, and environmental impacts on West Oakland residents.
“With this grant under the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities program made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Port of Oakland will improve the quality of life for workers and families impacted by pollution from idling trucks while building a clean-energy economy that combats climate change and makes our communities more resilient,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt.
“Getting to zero-emissions operations requires ongoing collaboration with our tenants and customers as well as support from our state and federal partners to accelerate these transformative investments for the benefit of our local residents,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan.
In 2019, the Port formalized its commitment to becoming a zero-emissions seaport by adopting the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan. The plan provides the framework and strategy for the Port’s transition to zero-emissions equipment for operations at its marine terminals and off-dock facilities.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.