- Illinois was awarded $95 million to fund zero-emission equipment and $3 million for planning improvements for Clean Ports Program.
- The upgrades will include electric trucks, forklifts, and hydrogen fueling, reducing pollution and enhancing port community air quality.
- Collaborative public-private partnerships were essential for securing this grant, supporting Illinois’ transition toward a sustainable freight sector.
Illinois is investing in Clean Ports with $95 million funding
Illinois has secured $95 million in federal funds to overhaul its port infrastructure. The funding is from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. It will support major shifts to zero-emission equipment at Illinois ports, which cover nearly 1,100 miles of waterways across the state. An additional $3 million will fund planning activities to ensure the upgrades roll out effectively.
The Clean Ports Program, part of the $3 billion Inflation Reduction Act, is making US ports cleaner and more efficient. Illinois’ share will go toward zero-emission trucks, forklifts, hydrogen fueling stations, and charging stations. These updates will bring significant environmental and economic benefits. Zero-emission equipment is cleaner and quieter, while being less costly to operate.
In total, the EPA awarded grants to 55 projects across 27 states. That marks a historic commitment to reducing emissions in port communities. Many of these areas are disadvantaged, often suffering from poor air quality and environmental health risks. The program prioritises community engagement to make sure these upgrades positively impact local residents.
Illinois leaders credit partnerships across public and private sectors as key to securing the grant. Earlier this year, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) invited eligible organisations to collaborate on the application. That made it possible for smaller groups to join without handling complex paperwork alone.
This initiative contributes to the long-term goal of establishing zero-emission freight corridors across the US. Illinois is playing its part in deploying the new technology for a future-proofed freight sector.