On Oct. 29, President Biden visited the Port of Baltimore to announce a $3 billion investment from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at improving and electrifying port infrastructure. This investment is expected to support approximately 40,000 jobs, reduce pollution, and address the climate crisis, according to a statement from the Biden administration.
Included in this funding is $147 million allocated for the Maryland Port Administration, which will facilitate the purchase and installation of zero-emission port equipment and charging infrastructure. These additions are expected to create over 2,000 jobs in the process.
The $3 billion investment is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports grants, which will be distributed to 55 recipients across 27 states and territories. This initiative is designed to upgrade port operations by transitioning to cleaner equipment, thus improving working conditions and air quality for port workers and surrounding communities.
The Clean Ports program is projected to eliminate more than 3 million metric tons of carbon pollution over its first decade, equivalent to the annual energy use of approximately 391,220 homes. The funding will be used for various projects, including the purchase of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered equipment, drayage trucks, locomotives, and shore power systems for ocean-going vessels.
At the Port of Baltimore, a key hub for vehicle import and export, the Maryland Port Administration has received funding for its Equipment Electrification and Terminal Decarbonization project. This project includes a $145 million grant to acquire zero-emission cargo handling equipment and support a transition to a zero-emission facility.
President Biden emphasized the administration's commitment to union jobs, noting recent increases in union representation efforts.
The Biden administration said that it remains focused on supporting Baltimore's recovery following the recent bridge collapse, which disrupted port operations. Efforts are underway to rebuild the bridge, with a contractor selected to design and construct the new structure.
Overall, Biden’s announcement represents a significant commitment to enhancing port infrastructure, supporting jobs, and reducing emissions at the Port of Baltimore and across the country, as detailed in the White House press release.
