Port of Oakland set to receive $10.5M vehicle electrification grant from U.S. EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $10.5 million award for the Port of Oakland under its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle grant program. The grant will replace vehicles powered by fossil-fuels with vehicles powered by zero-emissions (ZE) technology at locations in Oakland, Richmond, and San Francisco.

“The Port of Oakland is grateful for additional investments to transition freight equipment and infrastructure to zero emissions,” said Colleen Liang, the Port’s Director of Environmental Programs and Planning. “Partnerships with our tenants and our community members and collaborative efforts are key components of delivering innovation and zero emissions throughout the entire region.”

"The City of Richmond welcomes this bold EPA investment in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles,” said Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez. “Not only will it help curb pollution and protect public health, but it also sets the stage for good-paying green jobs and a more equitable future for all."

The grant award is part of the $735 million nation-wide Biden-Harris initiative, Investing in America Agenda. California is on target to receive $135 million for 13 projects around the state to swap heavy-duty vehicles with ZE powered alternatives.

"Heavy-duty vehicle pollution contributes to dangerous air quality across the country, especially here in California," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “By replacing dirty, heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission models, this funding will reduce air pollution, improve health outcomes in nearby communities, and advance the campaign to tackle climate change.”

The Port is partnering with United Parcel Service (UPS) to replace 60 UPS delivery trucks with ZE electric trucks. UPS will supply nearly $5 million in matching funds to advance this fleet conversion.

The project will include:

• The replacement of 60 Class 6 UPS delivery trucks with ZE battery electric vehicles;

• Install chargers at three San Francisco Bay Area logistics centers;

• Community participation through the development and implementation of a community engagement plan;

• Workforce training on zero-emissions equipment; and

• Grant implementation and administration.

UPS is a major tenant of the Port and one of the largest commercial fleet operators in Oakland, and the Bay Area. As a sustainable leader in the quest towards a ZE future, the Port partners with public, private, and community organizations on projects to further its goal of a zero-emissions Port by 2050. Benefits of the 2024 EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant Project include:

• Reduction in emissions, including greenhouse gases;

• Opportunities for green career pathways through workforce development, and training programs; and

• Strengthening stakeholder relationships through a robust community engagement process.