U.S. ports fear losing federal pollution cleanup funds

At the Port of Los Angeles, electric equipment is being used to reduce pollution. This is part of broader efforts to clean the air around U.S. ports, which have long been associated with health issues in nearby neighborhoods. Former President Joe Biden's climate law set aside $3 billion to help with these initiatives. Residents near these ports, however, worry that funding could be cut by President Donald Trump’s administration. Many argue that their communities are heavily impacted by pollution from port activities. They call for continued support to address this issue. The $3 billion aims to reduce carbon pollution by three million metric tons across many ports by using cleaner equipment and vehicles. Ports have already invested hundreds of millions to upgrade their facilities. Experts believe Biden's funding is significant, yet demand for projects exceeds the available resources. Trump has worked to change many of Biden's climate policies. He seeks to initiative an "energy dominance" agenda and has frozen certain funding, affecting local community projects. Some ports are now waiting for federal approval to access the available funding. U.S. ports have been pollution hotspots for decades. They transport goods using diesel-powered equipment, contributing to health problems like asthma and heart disease in nearby communities, especially among low-income and minority populations. While some ports have made progress in reducing emissions, many still release harmful pollutants. Local advocates express concern that Trump’s policies may hinder further improvements. Some residents with health issues attribute their problems to pollution from ports. Experts note that changes in administration have created uncertainty in efforts to reduce air pollution, impacting the health of millions living near ports. Ports face financial challenges in transitioning to cleaner operations, and a surge in freight activity is expected in coming years. Overall, progress remains inconsistent. Various agencies manage ports, complicating efforts to track environmental improvements. Many believe ongoing support and funding are crucial for protecting both public health and the environment.