The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that it has been selected to receive $347 million in federal funding from the Biden-Harris administration to bolster the Port of New York and New Jersey’s sustainability and community outreach efforts. The funding represents the largest sustainability award the Port Authority has received to date.
The grants were provided through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which focuses on helping the nation’s ports address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities. The funding will play a critical role in the Port Authority’s efforts to transition to more environmentally sustainable operations at the busiest seaport on the East Coast. It will also strengthen collaboration with key partners in communities around the port facilities which are impacted by seaport operations.
“In New Jersey, we’re committed to a cleaner, healthier future—and that starts with reducing air pollution, building charging infrastructure, and creating new green jobs at the port,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “I’m thankful to the Biden-Harris administration and our partners at the EPA for supporting our commitment to a zero-emissions future that combats climate change and protects public health.”
“The Port Authority has made the nation-leading commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this award goes a long way to making that vision a reality,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “With this critical funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, Port Liberty will become a greener and safer place to work on Staten Island, improving the lives of the hundreds of New Yorkers who work there every day.”
“We appreciate the recognition and support from our government and community partners to ensure the critical work at the Port of New York and New Jersey is accomplished with an eye toward the future,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This funding will reverberate well beyond the docks, allowing us to work together with nearby communities to ensure that the busiest port on the East Coast sets a new standard for collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.”
“This extraordinary EPA funding will allow us to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission equipment across our port facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This award is a crucial step forward in our commitment to sustainability and will help us meet the Agency’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. We are grateful for the EPA’s partnership as the Port Authority continues our aggressive pursuit of our climate agenda.”
“These extraordinary awards represent a significant step toward our community engagement and sustainability efforts, and we extend our sincere appreciation to all of the port partners who made it happen,” said Bethann Rooney, port director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “The cargo moved through the Port radiates out across the country, but it would not be possible without the collaboration of the port community. Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice as we look to maximize the impact of every dollar to deliver cleaner air, new equipment, and a port that leads the way on sustainability and community engagement.”
“Ports are essential to moving and bringing us goods that we depend on, but they are also sources of air and climate pollution impacting the surrounding communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “By advancing zero-emission technologies, we are tackling air pollution head-on while creating good-paying jobs that support local economies and families. This tremendous investment demonstrates EPA’s commitment to environmental and climate justice, and economic opportunity while also ensuring that our port communities can breathe cleaner air.”
“I fought hard to secure $3 billion via the Inflation Reduction Act for the EPA to fund a new program for zero-emission port equipment and to modernize infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at ports across the country,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. “I’m proud to announce more than $344 million — the second largest award in the country — for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to deploy zero-emission equipment, install charging equipment, and train workers for new green jobs. This substantial federal investment will help transform Port Liberty NY on Staten Island by replacing harmful diesel-powered equipment with zero-emission electric infrastructure.”
“This over $347 million investment in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will lay the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. “This funding will promote the use of zero-emission equipment and clean power, as well as train workers for the green energy jobs of the future. I am proud to have helped secure the creation of the transformative Clean Ports Program in the Inflation Reduction Act and am thrilled about today’s historic investment. Not only are we improving air quality and combating climate change, but we’re creating good-paying jobs and putting New York and the United States in position to lead in global clean energy.”
“EPA’s $347 million award to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to execute their ‘Catalyzing Change’ plan is a huge win for New Jersey, and a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey. “Investing in zero-emissions technologies and enhancing our freight operations will help us protect our environment and boost our regional economy. I am proud to have supported this award that will create jobs, improve air quality, protect our planet, and ensure that our supply chain remains efficient and resilient.”
“Ports are vital both to our economy and our fight against climate change,” said U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey. “That’s why I was proud to support the Port Authority’s efforts to secure this funding. Building greener, more efficient ports means great jobs for our families and a cleaner future for everyone who calls this region home.”
“The EPA’s historic investment through its Clean Ports Program to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and SeaStreak LLC, the ferry company that runs between NJ and NYC, will support infrastructure modernization, the creation of new jobs, and environmental sustainability,” said U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey. “It’s a huge win to the region from every angle and a testament to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s and SeaStreak’s commitment to the fight against climate change.”
“I am proud to have worked with the Port Authority to claw millions of your federal tax dollars back from Washington to invest in the Port of New York and New Jersey through the Clean Ports Program,” said U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New York. “This investment in clean energy will not only reduce emissions, but will also help our families and supplies move more efficiently around Northern New Jersey.”
“The inclusion of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the Clean Ports Program is a significant step forward in our commitment to modernizing our supply chain infrastructure with a strong emphasis on health, environmental justice, and sustainability. This investment will profoundly benefit the communities I represent, which currently bear the brunt of the activity from port operations,” said N.J. state Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “By upgrading our equipment and minimizing our environmental footprint, we can enhance efficiency at the largest and busiest port on the East Coast while fostering a cleaner economy that prioritizes community well-being. Holistic initiatives like this are essential for creating a healthier, more equitable, and economically vibrant future.”
“This EPA funding is an invaluable investment in the health and quality of life for our communities right here in New Jersey’s 20th legislative district,” said N.J. state Sen. Joseph Cryan. “Reducing emissions at the Port of New York and New Jersey directly benefits residents in neighborhoods most impacted by port activity, bringing cleaner air and improved health outcomes to families who live near these operations. Clean air is not just an environmental goal — it’s a public health imperative, particularly for communities exposed to diesel emissions and other pollutants from the port. This funding enables critical upgrades to zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, paving the way for a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of our residents while driving economic growth.”
“As we work toward a cleaner, healthier future, the EPA Clean Ports program funding will be transformative for the Port of New York and New Jersey,” said N.J. state Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “This investment — made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act — will replace diesel-emitting equipment with cleaner alternatives; cutting emissions drastically, reducing tens of thousands of tons of lifetime CO2 from our air. By working closely with our communities, we can ensure these efforts genuinely benefit our residents and advance the shared goal of health and environmental sustainability.”
“As a longshoreman and proud member of this community, I look forward to this partnership with the EPA and terminal operators. These projects will not only modernize our facilities but also get us closer to a cleaner, healthier future for Hudson County and New Jersey’s ports,” said N.J. state Assemblyman William Sampson. “This funding is a victory for our community, and I look forward to engaging with residents to ensure these advancements have a positive impact on all of our lives.”
“I commend Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole and Executive Director Rick Cotton on their initiative to replace diesel cranes, cargo handling equipment and vehicles with cleaner running equipment,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. “Essex County’s port area is one of our most heavily industrialized sectors and these changes will greatly reduce harmful emissions. This will mean cleaner air to breathe and an enhanced quality of life for our residents.”
“Union County is pleased by the EPA’s investment through the Clean Ports program, as this funding marks a critical step toward transforming air quality and sustainability at the Port of New York and New Jersey,” said Union County Manager Edward Oatman. “The Port Authority’s dedication to phasing out diesel emissions with state-of-the-art technology will lead to substantial improvements in air quality, directly benefiting the health and well-being of Union County residents and our neighboring communities. This initiative not only promotes healthier, more resilient neighborhoods but also sets a standard for environmental stewardship that aligns with our county’s commitment to protecting the environment for generations to come.”
“The health and welfare of every resident, worker, and visitor is one of our highest priorities,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We are grateful that the Biden-Harris administration and the Environmental Protection Administration are moving to support a more sustainable and safer Port Newark. This funding is an important investment in creating a cleaner and greener Newark for generations to come.”
“Earlier this year, I was happy to endorse the Port Authority’s application for funding from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program,” said Mayor Jimmy Davis of Bayonne, N.J. “I am glad that the federal government approved the application for our port. It is vitally important that we reduce our carbon footprint both today and tomorrow. As a result of the Clean Ports Program, carbon emissions will be reduced, and our children will have the opportunity for a healthier future.
Much of the funding — $344 million in total — will allow the Port Authority and port operational partners such as terminal operators, truckers and other stakeholders to intensify their ongoing sustainability efforts. The funding will enable container terminal operators to purchase zero-emission cargo handling equipment. It also provides funding for the installation of shore power capabilities, enabling a ship to shut its engine while berthed and significantly reduce emissions. The funding will additionally allow the Port Authority to establish a voucher program to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission drayage trucks.
The award also sets aside $3 million for the Port Authority to deepen its collaboration with key groups who serve the port and live around it. The Port Authority plans to use the funds to establish a Port Community Advisory Council, consisting of key stakeholders from communities around the port, to convene for regular meetings with port leadership. The grant will also allow the agency to bolster its engagement with drayage truck operators, as well as update the agency’s Drayage Truck Movement and Impact Study to better understand the impacts and needs of the drayage industry as it transitions to cleaner vehicles. The money will also enable the creation of a community-centric air monitoring program.
The Clean Ports Program grants will represent a significant step forward for the Port Authority’s industry-leading sustainability efforts. Through its comprehensive Net Zero Roadmap, the agency has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and to facilitating its tenants and contractors in achieving the same goal in the same timeframe. At the Port of New York and New Jersey, those efforts have included:
• The Truck Replacement Program, offering financial incentives to truck companies to replace older, dirtier engine models with newer, cleaner models
• The Clean Vessel Incentive, using financial incentives to encourage fuel conservation and voluntary engine, fuel, and technology enhancements to oceangoing vessels
• The agency’s Marine Terminal Tariff, phasing in a mandate for terminal operators to transition to zero-emission cargo handling equipment as the equipment becomes commercially available, intended to foster market demand and spur industry innovation
• The installation of four DC fast chargers at Port Newark, expected to ease and encourage the transition to electric drayage trucks, with anticipated completion by the end of this year
• The buildout of the seaport’s on-dock ExpressRail system, enabling goods to reach the Midwest, New England, and eastern Canada more sustainably than via truck
