In a game-changing move, the Biden-Harris Administration is steering the country’s freight sector towards a cleaner, greener future. With a comprehensive strategy and substantial funding, the administration aims to address environmental and health concerns while promoting sustainable growth.
Why the Change?
The freight system is crucial for our economy, but it’s also a big contributor to air pollution, especially in communities near transportation routes. To tackle this issue and combat climate change, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to making the freight sector emission-free.
A Nationwide Pledge
At the heart of this initiative is a pledge to transition the entire freight sector—trucks, rail, aviation, and marine transport—to zero emissions. Backed by a $1.5 billion investment, this goal is a significant step towards cleaner air and a healthier future.
Putting Money into Action
To kickstart this transition, the administration is offering nearly $1 billion in funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to replace heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission ones. There’s also $400 million allocated to improve air quality at port facilities, making a real difference in environmental and health outcomes.
Team Effort
Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaboration. That’s why the administration is bringing together stakeholders from different sectors—commercial fleets, manufacturers, environmental groups—to work together on developing necessary infrastructure.
Building on Progress
This isn’t a standalone effort. The administration is building on existing initiatives like the Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the Zero-Emissions Freight Corridor Strategy to create a comprehensive approach to clean transportation.
Putting Justice First
Environmental justice is a priority. Through initiatives like the Justice40 Initiative, the administration is ensuring that the benefits of clean transportation reach disadvantaged communities, addressing historical inequalities.
The Biden-Harris Administration is steering the freight sector towards a greener path, promoting economic growth while prioritizing the health of communities. By investing in clean transportation and fostering collaboration, they’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.