Clean funding call

A coalition of 37 organisations, including six ports in California, have requested the funding for electric trucks and cargo handling equipment, infrastructure and operations and maintenance training to move closer to zero-emissions.

“The need for state investment to accelerate zero-emission vehicle adoption has never been more urgent, nor has the state ever had the means, as it does today, to enact change,” said the letter from the coalition. “The state surplus presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to lay the strong foundation for an accelerated and equitable transition to a zero-emission freight transportation system.”

Funding could propel energy transition

The letter to Governor of California Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders follows projections of a US$75.5bn 2022 state surplus. It aligns with commitments from ports in Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach to move containerised cargo emissions-free.

More than 6,000 big rigs (trucks) are registered to transport cargo containers in and out of Oakland. Dozens of pieces of cargo handling equipment lift the mammoth boxes at its four marine terminals. Nearly all those vehicles are diesel-powered. The request to the state calls for funds to help supply chain operators electrify equipment and cut emissions.

The Port of Oakland reports a 98% drop in harmful diesel truck emissions over the past decade through clean truck programs. The next step, according to the port, is a switch by freight haulers to electric big rigs. Oakland and other ports want California to provide US$1bn in financing for truckers ready to convert. An electric truck can cost up to US$500,000.

The state has also been asked for US$1bn to fund electric charging stations at California ports. Charging stations are considered a prerequisite for electrifying trucks and cranes that move containerised cargo through marine terminals.