In a major push for environmental sustainability, the Port of Oakland has snagged a $4 million boost from the federal government to fuel the port's transition to a zero-emissions future. The hefty sum, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is earmarked for the procurement of five Class 8 heavy-duty electric trucks, one electric street sweeper, a fleet-friendly electric pick-up truck, and EV chargers – gear that's predicted to breathe cleaner air into the Oakland Seaport and its adjacent communities.
As detailed in a statement from the Port, these green machines are slated for deployment by 2025. Despite their $5.1 million price tag, the port's decision-makers are banking on the investment to reduce damaging vehicle idling and emissions that have historically plagued West Oakland residents. The major players in scoring this grant include key figures such as Senators Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla, and especially Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who credited the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with paving the way for these innovations.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, affirming the need to "act with urgency" to shield communities from the ravages of fossil fuels. She extolled the virtues of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's investments, saying via the Port of Oakland press release, "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," and expressed gratitude towards those instrumental in the funding efforts.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt hailed the grant as a step forward for both the environment and the economy, outlining a future where combating climate change aligns with bolstering a clean-energy economy that benefits communities and makes them more resilient, Danny Wan, the Port of Oakland's Executive Director, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with tenants and customers, as well as the vital support from state and federal partners that is necessitated to escalate these transformative investments for the local residents.
The Port of Oakland has been publicly committed to an ecologically responsible future since 2019, when it adopted the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan. This strategic document has charted the course for adopting zero-emissions equipment across all its operations, significantly shaping the maritime hub's approach to tackling the environmental issues poised at its doorstep.
