04/26/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 10:24
On April 24, the Biden administration announced its first-ever national goal to transition the U.S. to a zero-emissions freight sector (i.e., truck, rail, aviation, and maritime), as well as a commitment to develop a national zero-emissions freight strategy. The whole-of-government strategy includes new federal funding, continued engagement with stakeholders on zero-emissions freight infrastructure and forthcoming action plans for each of the freight sectors.
As a key part of the freight ecosystem, the maritime sector must reduce its emissions to protect port workers and port-adjacent communities. Effective technology-switching regulatory policies, as well as significant funding for the research, design, development and deployment of zero-emission technologies and fuels for marine vessels, port equipment and infrastructure, are needed to fully transition the industry away from the use of fossil fuels to greener solutions. We urge the Biden administration to take additional steps to accelerate federal efforts to decarbonize the maritime sector in the U.S., including issuing an Executive Order that implements concrete and tangible actions to end ship and port pollution.
Highlights from the freight sector announcement include:
Pacific Environment applauds the Biden administration for its commitment to transition the freight sector in the U.S. to zero emissions. Many thanks goes to environmental justice groups, frontline communities and all the advocates involved who have engaged with the White House over the past few years on this important issue.