November 4, 2024 — The Port of Stockton has been selected to receive $110,469,349 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Clean Ports Program, part of a nearly $3 billion initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This grant is the single largest federal investment in the Port of Stockton’s history. With the critical support from Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Josh Harder in securing this funding, the Port is positioned to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, achieving substantial reductions in criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG) and aligning with the Port’s Clean Air Plan strategies to drive the adoption of clean technologies.
The grant is a collaborative effort between the Port of Stockton and key partners, including SSA Marine, Stockton Soda, and Marathon Petroleum, who are integral to the deployment of the new equipment and technologies and whose commitment to sustainability is essential to the project’s success.
Port Director Kirk DeJesus stated, “This grant propels us closer to our decarbonization goals, drastically reduces our environmental impact, and supports regional economic vitality by providing new workforce development opportunities and cleaner air for our community.”
As the Central Valley’s emerging hub for clean technology, the Port of Stockton is set to implement projects that include deploying more electric cargo handling equipment, advanced charging infrastructure, solar generation, battery energy storage systems, and enhanced vessel shore power. These initiatives will not only cut annual emissions but also spur economic growth by creating high-paying jobs in green technology, crucial for maintaining the new equipment.
“This funding represents a natural progression of the Port of Stockton’s strategic advancements in clean technology and our commitment to environmental leadership”, said Jeff Wingfield, Deputy Port Director, Regulatory and Public Affairs.
In 2023, the Port completed its MD/HD Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Blueprint, which laid the foundation for the widespread deployment of electric vehicle technologies. Building on this momentum, the Port recently hosted the 2024 Trucking with Clean Fuels Conference and showcased the largest zero-emission vehicle convoy ever assembled at a single event. These initiatives showcase the Port’s ongoing commitment to leading the transition towards cleaner transportation solutions, further supported by the substantial EPA grant.
Bill Trezza, Chair of the Port of Stockton Board Commission, stated, “This EPA funding is vital for the Port of Stockton, enhancing our clean technology initiatives and supporting our decarbonization goals. It enables us to take a leadership role in modernizing the Port, and proactively implement the infrastructure to accommodate the cleaner technologies that make our operations more efficient in the future.”
The Port of Stockton is making significant strides to align with the national goal for a zero-emission freight sector, the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, and the ‘all-of government’ National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said yesterday, “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.”
EPA prioritized community engagement and equity in the Clean Ports Program, assessing grant applications based on the quality and depth of each project’s community outreach. The Port of Stockton’s community engagement efforts and relationships within its community align with the EPA’s criteria for meaningful engagement and advancing environmental justice.
