At a White House event today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and port leaders came together to commemorate nearly $150 million in grants from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant Program. These grants, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, mark a significant step towards improving air quality in and around 18 U.S. ports.

Cary S. Davis, President and CEO of AAPA, emphasized the importance of federal investment in reducing emissions while supporting economic prosperity. He expressed gratitude to Congress and the Biden Administration for their responsiveness to the advocacy efforts of ports and allied organizations.

USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the detrimental effects of truck idling at ports on drivers, supply chains, and nearby communities. He stressed that the investments announced would not only save time and money for truckers but also reduce congestion and emissions, ultimately improving air quality for workers and residents.

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasized the dual benefits of the funded projects, improving the quality of life for those affected by truck emissions while contributing to a clean-energy economy and climate resilience. He underscored the importance of port-related trade for the economy and commended the investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Projects funded under the RTEPF program vary in scope, from substantial initiatives such as replacing diesel trucks and shuttle buses with zero-emission technology at the Port of Long Beach to smaller-scale efforts like replacing diesel street sweepers with zero-emission units and researching electric Power Take Off devices at the Port of Baltimore.

These grants represent a significant commitment to transforming America’s ports into hubs of sustainability and innovation, driving forward cleaner air initiatives while bolstering economic growth and resilience.

Find the full list of project awards here.