The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has granted the Port of Oakland a $4 million grant for its zero-emissions initiatives at the Oakland Seaport.
This federal funding is slated to advance the introduction of zero-emissions equipment at the Oakland Seaport and help improve overall air quality at the Oakland Seaport and in neighbouring 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 port reported.
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 is expected to minimise vehicle idling, emissions, and environmental impacts on West Oakland residents.
“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.”
“With this grant under the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities programme 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,” added Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt.
The Port of Oakland Executive Director, Danny Wan, further stated: “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.”
Earlier this year, Parsons Corporation (PSN) announced the introduction of the Freight Intelligent Transportation System (FITS) at the Port of Oakland, California, together with Advent eModal, Mobile Programming, and other key players.
More recently, the Port of Oakland was ranked first among all US ports in international refrigerated export TEU for seven consecutive years.
