Remarks for the Clean Ports Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement, As Prepared for Delivery
Michael Regan
Wilmington, NC
Thank you, Governor Cooper, for that introduction.
As always, it’s a pleasure to see you. I’m grateful for your partnership, and for your unwavering commitment to the people of this great state.
Mayor Saffo, thank you for joining us, and for your leadership.
To Chair Rabon and the Port of Wilmington, thank you for hosting us today.
We’re also grateful for all the state and local leaders here with us.
It’s great to be back in North Carolina. I’ve traveled plenty as EPA administrator, but no matter where I go in the world, nothing beats being back home.
Folks, on day one of this administration, President Biden and Vice President Harris put forth a clear vision for the future of our country.
Their vision was to invest in America, to ensure the strength and vitality of our nation’s economy, and to protect and empower communities that have been historically left behind.
And since the very start, this Administration and this EPA have delivered on their vision.
We know that ports like Wilmington are essential for commerce, and vital to our nation's economic growth and supply chain infrastructure.
But too many communities residing near or around our nation’s ports are exposed to unhealthy air quality.
Folks, today we’re proving once again that healthy communities and a strong, booming economy go hand-in-hand.
I’m pleased to announce that EPA is launching our $3 billion-dollar Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure upgrades, while supporting climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports.
EPA’s Clean Ports Program will lay the groundwork for transformational change in the port sector by encouraging a transition to zero-emissions operations and reducing diesel pollution in and around port communities.
Our agency is releasing two Notice of Funding Opportunities.
The first will make just under $2.8 billion dollars available to facilitate the transition to zero-emission equipment and infrastructure at our nation’s ports, while reducing mobile source emissions, and delivering cleaner air for communities across our country.
The second funding opportunity will make $150 million dollars available for climate and air quality planning activities at ports and help build capacity for the ongoing transition to zero-emissions port operations.
Simply put, EPA’s Clean Ports Program is a game changer.
These historic investments will protect the health of port communities as well as the workforce that relies on ports for their livelihood.
And through the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of zero-emissions equipment and infrastructure, EPA’s Clean Ports Program will create new jobs in the domestic clean energy sector—positioning our nation as a global leader in critical clean energy technologies.
But folks, today’s announcement is more than just an investment in cleaner communities and our economy—it's an investment in environmental justice.
By prioritizing projects that take place in communities that are disproportionately impacted by port-related air pollution, this program delivers on the Biden Administration’s commitment to environmental justice, and provides a pathway towards a more equitable, and just world.
Thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, we are ensuring that those who live near ports can finally breathe cleaner air.
We are reimagining clean technology and revolutionizing our nation’s port infrastructure, while addressing climate change and environmental justice.
We are creating thousands of good-paying jobs in our clean energy sector.
And we are building a healthier, brighter future…a future where all people have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a safe place to live, work, and play.
And we’re not stopping until the job is done.
Thank you!