Kilmer Announces More Than $12 Million in Federal Investments for the Port of Port Angeles and Northwest Seaport Alliance

October 29, 2024

TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $12 million in funding through the EPA's Clean Ports Program 's Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition to two ports in Washington's Sixth District for the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, and climate and air quality planning.

Made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration's Inflation Reduction Act - the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history - the Port of Port Angeles will receive more than $9.4 million in deployment funding to support the Port's Marine Terminal One project. The project aims to make shore power more accessible and eliminate emissions from a majority of the Port's cargo operations. In May of this year, Rep. Kilmer wrote to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in support of the Port's application for funding through the Clean Ports Program.

"Our ports are amazing engines of economic growth and opportunity," said Rep. Kilmer. "That's why this investment from the EPA is such a big deal, especially for folks on the Olympic Peninsula. Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, we are taking major steps toward improved safety, decreased costs, and reduced emissions at the Port of Port Angeles, without the costs falling solely on the backs of local taxpayers. As a Port Angeles native, I'm proud to have supported this important project and look forward to a bright future for the port and for workers in our community."

Currently, the limited electrical infrastructure at the Port of Port Angeles' Marine Terminals makes connecting to shore power a cumbersome and expensive process. Old equipment requires the services of a master electrician to install fuses, and replacement parts are difficult to find and have long lead times. These factors lead some vessels to stay on ship power, which burns diesel and emits pollutants, instead of connecting to clean shore power.

This investment from the EPA will support the Port's planned connection box upgrades, which will streamline access to shore power and remove the need for a master electrician's services for each connection, saving vessel owners money and time. The Port will also increase safety on its docks and reduce connection time by acquiring mobile shore power cable management systems. These units, working in tandem with upgraded connection boxes, will completely overhaul the Port's shore power system from a difficult, out-of-date system into one that is modern, efficient, and easy to use. In addition to electrical upgrades, this investment will support new cargo handling equipment that will help the Port keep freight moving while eliminating more than 200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

"The Port of Port Angeles is honored to receive these funds from the EPA's Clean Ports Program," saidPort of Port AngelesCommission President Connie Beauvais. "This grant will empower the Port to create environmental and economic benefits for the entire community. With this funding, the Port will build new shore power infrastructure to reduce emissions from vessels at berth. We will also invest in groundbreaking zero-emissions cargo handling equipment that will allow the Port to diversify the types of cargo we can handle. As we seek to bring new businesses and developments to the region, the Port is committed to pursuing opportunities that create positive impacts for more than just the economy: we're excited to also benefit our air quality and create healthier spaces for local workers and neighbors. This is truly a unique opportunity for the Port's operations to become better for the local economy, our constituents, and the environment."

"The Clallam EDC is thrilled the Port of Port Angeles was awarded this funding," said Colleen McAleer, Executive Director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council. "The Port is dedicated to environmental sustainability and has made significant strides in its operations over the years to meet these objectives. This grant represents a major advancement, enabling the Port to further contribute positively to our economy while safeguarding our vital waterfront. The Clallam EDC staff will continue to collaborate closely with the Port team to achieve the best outcomes for our communities."

In addition, the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) will receive a $3 million Climate and Air Quality Planning Grant through the same program. This funding will support the planning of a breakbulk cargo terminal at the Port of Tacoma, with the goal of transitioning 40 pieces of cargo handling equipment and light-duty port vehicles to zero-emissions, as well as designing new shore power access.

"This investment from the EPA in the Northwest Seaport Alliance is a major win for the South Sound," said Rep. Kilmer. "Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, we are going to see forward progress in improving climate resilience and reducing emissions at the Port of Tacoma, paving the way for the creation of more jobs and increased Port capacity. I look forward to seeing the impact this important project will have for workers in our region and securing the future of cargo operations at the Port of Tacoma."

The Biden-Harris Adminstration's Inflation Reduction Act provided the EPA with $3 billion in funding to invest in zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. The Clean Ports Program builds on the EPA's Ports Initiative, which seeks to support U.S. ports address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities.

In February 2024, the EPA launched the Clean Ports Program through two separate Notices of Funding Opportunities: the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition and the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition. The Clean Ports Program advances President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

The Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will invest nearly $2.28 billion into zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions at U.S. ports. Eligible uses of funding include human-operated and maintained zero-emission cargo handling equipment, harbor craft and other vessels, electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and a number of other technology investments. Applications under this competition will be evaluated under multiple tiers in order to ensure that funds are distributed across ports of different sizes and types, and to ensure funding for ports serving Tribal communities.

The Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition will invest approximately $150 million into climate and air quality planning activities at U.S. ports - including emissions inventories, strategy analysis, community engagement, and resiliency measure identification.

More information about this year's Clean Ports Program selected projects is available here.

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