President Biden visited the Port of Baltimore this fall to announce more than $147 million in federal funding to support efforts to decarbonize and electrify marine terminals. (Maryland Port Administration)
The Maryland Port Administration was buzzing with excitement this fall as President Joe Biden came to the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore to announce $147 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program to continue our efforts to decarbonize, electrify our marine terminals, and further reduce emissions.
The funding is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and will enable the Maryland Port Administration and several private partners to purchase 213 new zero-emission vehicles and equipment. The newer and cleaner versions will replace older diesel equipment and provide a 35 percent decrease in carbon dioxide emissions compared to 2020 levels.
“In Maryland, we aren’t going to choose between building a competitive state and a sustainable one—we will do both at the same time,” said Governor Wes Moore. This vision aligns with the administration’s goals of creating good-paying jobs while addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
Governor Wes Moore speaks at the Port of Baltimore. (Maryland Port Administration)
The Port of Baltimore is not just a vital hub for trade, it’s also an economic powerhouse. The Port is essential to Maryland’s economy, generating approximately 20,300 direct jobs and helping to support over 273,000 jobs in the state.
The Maryland Congressional delegation along with other federal, state and local officials, highlighted the importance of these projects in improving air quality and creating clean energy jobs.
“These efforts will help strengthen Baltimore’s economy and create more local jobs for Marylanders,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.
Gloria Nelson, President of Turner Station Conservation Team, a nonprofit community association, said she has enjoyed working with the Maryland Port Administration for the past 20 years to ensure the community’s concerns are heard and addressed. Programs like these are needed and appreciated, she said.
“Clean air programs like this will greatly improve the air we breathe in our communities,” said Nelson.
This investment extends beyond infrastructure; it also includes community engagement. The grant will support outreach initiatives in disadvantaged and disenfranchised neighborhoods near the Port of Baltimore such as Turner Station, Brooklyn, and Curtis Bay.
“These improvements will provide an immediate impact to the people who live and work around the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, reflecting on the administration’s dedication to improving the well-being of the port’s surrounding areas.
“Our customers and port partners are driven to change the way they do business to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and positively impact our near-port environmental justice communities,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels about the Port’s future.
The EPA announcement follows the news that the Port of Baltimore was recently awarded a $30.9 million federal infrastructure grant to reconstruct a berth used to handle cars and farm and construction machinery. The Port of Baltimore handles more of these commodities than any other port in the nation. Strengthening and reinforcing berths will allow the port to continue to grow that business.
Creating an effective balance between commerce and environmental sustainability is central to the mission of the Maryland Port Administration.
To learn more about the clean port project and its benefits, read the Port of Baltimore’s grant proposal here.
Amira Hairston is a Digital Media Manager at the Maryland Port Administration.
