SAN PEDRO (CNS) - Los Angeles city leaders and elected officials Thursday highlighted progress and federal funding commitments to advance environmental goals and build zero-emission infrastructure at the Port of Los Angeles.
Mayor Karen Bass welcomed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan with Rep. Nanette Barragán and Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the 15th District, which includes the Harbor Area. Officials touched upon a $3 billion Clean Ports program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes funding for projects at the city's port.
"We are here to highlight the critical investments that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making across our nation -- and efforts to stand together as we confront climate change while investing in our economy," Bass said in a statement.
The federal funding will boost the local economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce emissions to combat climate change, as well as improve air quality around the city's most vulnerable communities, according to Bass.
Barragán touted the $3 billion in federal funds for the Clean Ports program is based on her Climate Smart Ports Act.
"When I came to Congress our communities made clear that addressing pollution from the Port of Los Angeles was a top priority," said Barragán, D- San Pedro.
"The $3 billion I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act for the EPA Clean Ports grant program is an historical down payment that will help communities throughout the country tackle their pollution challenges."
Nearly 39 million people in the U.S. live within three miles of a port, including the communities she represents -- Wilmington, West Long Beach, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro and Harbor City. High childhood asthma rates, elevated cancer risk, and lower life expectancy are common in those port communities across the country.
"It was a pleasure to be in Los Angeles today to see firsthand how the Port of Los Angeles is driving our economy forward using clean, sustainable technologies and solutions," Regan said in a statement.
As part of the visit, the officials met with Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, and representatives of nearby port communities to discuss the longstanding disproportionate air pollution burdens, and how these investments can alleviate the situation.
Additionally, the group toured the port by boat and then delivered remarks at the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade.
"We are proud of the progress we've made reducing environmental impacts of port operations, yet it's clear there is much more work ahead to reach our zero-emission objectives," Seroka said in a statement.
"We greatly appreciate EPA Administrator Regan's visit to get a first- hand look at some of the equipment we are testing, and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with the EPA as we chart a path to help decarbonize the maritime industry."
McOsker celebrated the visit, but also acknowledged that the neighboring communities "live in the shadow of the port" which has significant economic benefits and serious environmental harms.
He hailed the federal dollars coming to the port that will help development of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure.
"We must at the same time make sure that we work to retain the good jobs we have, and retain and up-skill our workers in the new equipment," McOsker said in a statement. "We can have both a clean environment and a strong economy."