By El Latino Newsroom
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Port of Hueneme “Goes Electric” receiving an impressive $42,287,893 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funding critical to the Port’s goal of zero emissions by 2030.
The EPA announced today its intent to award $3 billion to help the nation’s ports through the agency’s Clean Ports Program. This new grant funding initiative builds on the EPA’s Ports Initiative to bolster the nation’s ports.
“Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future. Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”
The Port of Hueneme was selected among other agencies and ports to receive a grant award of over $42 million for its PHRESH (Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health) Project to accelerate the Port’s zero-emission transformation. This project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful and Resilient Transformation)—under the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results)—under the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition.
“This announcement by the EPA is exciting news for the Port of Hueneme,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “We now have the funding to accelerate the Board of Harbor Commissioner’s 2019 adopted resolution to decarbonization, our goal is now our reality.”
The Port’s Clean Port project accelerates the deployment of zero emission port handling equipment and creates incentives for the trucking community to transition to electric trucks. Importantly the funding promises to help build a strong workforce with high paying jobs in green technology while reducing emissions and community impacts.
“This historic $42 million EPA grant sets the pace for the Port to lead the way as the nation’s first fully zero emission port for cargo handling equipment and enables us to enhance the quality of life for our adjacent communities with state-of-the-art clean operations,” said Kristin Decas, President & CEO of the Port of Hueneme. “We are grateful for the support of Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Congresswoman Brownley, local leaders and all of our customer, ILWU, trades, non-profit, and community partners to help the Port secure this funding and achieve these ambitious goals.”
“California’s ports move the goods that power our economy. This investment in the Port of Hueneme is a major step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said Senator Padilla. “With over $40 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding headed to the Port’s PHRESH project, we’re decarbonizing our supply chain to produce cleaner air and protect public health in neighboring communities.”
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) played a pivotal role in advocating for the Port’s inclusion in the Clean Ports Program. Additionally, she secured $375,000 in funding to support the PHRESH Project.
“Over the past year, I have worked closely with the Port of Hueneme to secure over $42 million in federal funding to expand the Port’s innovative sustainability efforts,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “This historic investment will accelerate the Port’s zero-emission transformation and is a testament to its bold environmental initiatives. As an essential economic driver for Ventura County, the Port’s commitment to a cleaner future will yield substantial benefits for the community, including improved air quality, public health, job creation, and workforce development.”
