Biden announces $3B to reduce carbon emissions at US ports, 'the linchpin to America’s supply chain'
The Biden administration is awarding nearly $3 billion to boost climate-friendly equipment and infrastructure at ports across the country, including in Baltimore, where a deadly bridge collapse killed six construction workers and disrupted commercial shipping traffic for months
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is awarding nearly $3 billion to boost climate-friendly equipment and infrastructure at ports across the country, including Baltimore, where a bridge collapse killed six construction workers in March and disrupted East Coast shipping routes for months.
President Joe Biden announced the federal funding Tuesday during a visit to the city's main port, saying the money will improve and electrify port infrastructure at 55 sites nationwide while supporting an estimated 40,000 union jobs, reducing pollution and combating the climate crisis. The presidential visit, a week before Election Day, was intended to highlight efforts by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to promote clean energy while protecting and creating jobs.
“Ports are the linchpin to America’s supply chain,'' Biden said in a speech at Dundalk Marine Terminal, near the site of the March 26 bridge collapse that closed commercial shipping traffic for nearly three months. A small blue and white sign near the site reminded passersby, “Project funded by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act,'' the 2022 law approved with only Democratic votes.
While the grant announcement appeared timed to help Harris' campaign for president, Biden seemingly ignored those concerns as he followed Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore to the outdoor podium, flanked by metal ship containers. “I think he may be the best governor in the country,” Biden said of Moore, bypassing a chance to praise Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
