WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the selection of 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program. These projects are designed to reduce air pollution, promote good jobs, advance environmental justice, and tackle climate change in port communities across the United States. Ocean Conservancy was a vocal advocate in support of the inclusion of this funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and issued a statement upon the initial announcement of funding earlier this year. Kathy Tsantiris, Ocean Conservancy’s director of government relations,  issued the following statement in response:

“Ocean Conservancy is thrilled to see the projects selected to receive funding. This funding would not have been possible without the tireless work advocates and groups – including Ocean Conservancy – did to ensure money for cleaning up ports was included in the Inflation Reduction Act; and it’s exciting to see tangible results. 

“The impacts of this funding will be felt far and wide: cleaning up our ports is critical not only for the health of our planet and our ocean, but for the health of the nearly 40 million Americans who live near ports and are forced to breathe the dirty air the maritime shipping industry produces. 

“Today’s announcement also shows that there’s still much to be done, with ports across the country requesting over $8 billion for this work. Ocean Conservancy looks forward to coordinating with communities across the country, Congress, and future Administrations to ensure that we continue on the path toward a cleaner, zero-emission, port and maritime sector.” 

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Note to editors: The Clean Ports Program funding is in addition to the over $1 billion that has been appropriated between 2022-2024 for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIPD). Ocean Conservancy’s Green Ports Interactive Funding Tracker tool tracks these funding opportunities, and will be expanded in the coming months to include the Clean Ports Program successful proposals.

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Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.