Biden clean energy/ port emissions/ Baltimore port grant/ climate-friendly infrastructure/ union jobs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Biden is set to announce nearly $3 billion in grants to modernize port infrastructure with clean, emissions-free equipment at 55 locations, including Baltimore. The initiative aims to create 40,000 union jobs, reduce pollution, and support climate goals. Funded through Biden’s climate law, these upgrades will especially benefit communities impacted by diesel emissions.
Biden to Announce $3 Billion in Clean Ports Investment: Quick Look
- Investment in Clean Energy: Grants will reduce port emissions and fund eco-friendly equipment.
- Job Creation: An estimated 40,000 union jobs supported across 55 U.S. ports.
- Environmental Justice: Efforts aim to reduce pollution in nearby communities affected by diesel.
- Baltimore Spotlight: Includes $147 million for Baltimore, aiding a port recovery after bridge collapse.
Biden Pledges $3 Billion for Clean Port Infrastructure in Baltimore Visit
Deep Look
President Joe Biden will visit Baltimore on Tuesday to unveil a nearly $3 billion initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions at U.S. ports. The substantial investment, which includes a $147 million allocation for Baltimore’s port, will be distributed across 55 ports in 27 states and territories, as part of a broader national effort to boost climate-friendly equipment and port infrastructure. According to White House officials, the grants will support roughly 40,000 union jobs, cut emissions, and enhance community health by mitigating pollution from diesel emissions.
The Port of Baltimore—one of the busiest on the East Coast and critical for importing motor vehicles and farm equipment—will play a key role in the initiative. Following a tragic bridge collapse in March that killed six construction workers and disrupted East Coast shipping routes, Biden’s visit seeks to highlight his administration’s commitment to clean energy and job creation. The funding, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, is expected to transform Baltimore’s port into a zero-emissions hub, creating over 2,000 jobs and investing in cargo-handling equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Major Investments in Clean Port Technology
Ports in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Oakland, and other key U.S. cities will also receive funding under this program, made possible by Biden’s landmark 2022 climate legislation. Announcing the grants on Monday, EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the critical role ports play in the national economy while acknowledging the environmental burdens borne by communities near port operations. “Our ports are the backbone of our economy,” Regan stated. “But we cannot overlook the challenges faced by nearby communities, which often suffer from poor air quality due to diesel emissions from trucks, ships, and machinery.”
The EPA estimates that Clean Ports funding will cut over 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of powering nearly 400,000 homes for one year. Additionally, the initiative aims to eliminate 12,000 tons of nitrogen oxides and other harmful pollutants. These reductions will directly impact local air quality, benefiting communities that have long advocated for cleaner, healthier conditions.
Environmental Justice and Community Impact
In the lead-up to Biden’s announcement, White House officials framed the initiative as a step forward in environmental justice, particularly for communities near major ports that experience higher pollution levels. John Podesta, Biden’s senior adviser on climate policy, noted that the funding honors Biden’s commitment to “rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, tackle the climate crisis, and uplift communities that have borne the brunt of pollution.”
Environmental justice advocate Vernice Miller-Travis applauded the initiative, noting its potential for transformative change. “What an incredible moment this is,” she said. “This is real money—almost $3 billion for 55 projects. When you see these kinds of investments, you can truly transform local conditions, operations, and people’s lives.”
The Clean Ports program was born from a competitive process launched by the EPA, which saw more than $8 billion in requests from ports nationwide seeking funding for zero-emission equipment and infrastructure improvements.
Baltimore’s Port Investment: A Vital Boost
The Port of Baltimore’s grant arrives amid efforts to recover from the devastating bridge collapse earlier this year. The collapse had significant repercussions for East Coast logistics, underscoring the need for safe, modernized infrastructure. The federal investment follows a separate $31 million allocation to Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal, a key recovery project for the region’s supply chain.
While the $147 million grant will support over 2,000 jobs by funding zero-emission equipment, Biden’s visit underscores the administration’s broader mission to decarbonize key infrastructure sites while supporting high-quality, unionized jobs.
Additionally, the owner and manager of the cargo ship responsible for the bridge collapse recently agreed to a $102 million settlement for cleanup costs, though a separate $2 billion project to rebuild the bridge remains under negotiation. The state of Maryland has filed a separate claim seeking further damages for the bridge reconstruction.
Clean Energy Transition as Economic Opportunity
The initiative aligns with Biden’s strategy of positioning climate action as a growth opportunity rather than an economic hindrance, countering arguments from critics like former President Donald Trump, who claims strict environmental regulations harm the economy. EPA Administrator Regan refuted such assertions, emphasizing that “healthy communities and a strong economy go hand in hand.” The Biden administration continues to advocate for policies that stimulate both environmental and economic benefits, hoping to reinforce that robust, environmentally conscious communities can be both economically resilient and sustainable.
The nearly $3 billion in Clean Ports grants marks a significant chapter in Biden’s broader climate and infrastructure agenda, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in U.S. history. By implementing projects that prioritize emissions reductions and sustainable job creation, the administration seeks to demonstrate a model where environmental progress and economic growth align.
