Federal funds made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, championed by Georgia’s U.S. Senators for its investments in Georgia’s clean energy economy
Georgia Ports Authority to receive over $48 million to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick
Senator Reverend Warnock penned a letter of support for GPA’s bid to receive federal funding for clean energy infrastructure upgrades
In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, strengthening air quality and the health of dock workers
Earlier this year, Georgia’s U.S. Senators announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah
Senator Reverend Warnock: “As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington”
Senator Ossoff: “Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities”
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Senate Commerce committee charged with overseeing the nation’s transportation policies, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced they secured $48,763,746 to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick. The funding will go to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to invest in the vessel shore power systems, which will allow ships to ‘plug-in’ to electric grid power and turn off diesel engines while at port. In addition, the project includes the scrappage and replacement of diesel terminal tractors with new electric terminal tractors. GPA plans to engage with communities through their network and conduct classroom and on-the-job training for workers related to shore power, zero-emission vehicles, and charging stations. In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, helping enhance overall quality of life. The decrease in diesel emissions will also strengthen air quality, and in turn, the health of dock workers spending long hours keeping our ports running. This latest investment reflects both senators’ commitment to bolstering Georgia’s clean energy infrastructure, helping Georgia’s ports maintain their competitive edge in the U.S. economy, and ensuring workers receive the support and training needed in an evolving economy.
“As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington, which is why I was proud to champion this award for the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I will continue delivering investments for Georgia’s ports to keep our state at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy economy.”
“Senator Warnock and I continue working to upgrade Georgia’s port infrastructure and establish Georgia as the national leader in advanced energy technology. Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities,” said Senator Ossoff.
The latest announcement is part of a larger set of awards unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that includes 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program. The grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history, and legislation only made possible by Georgia voters electing Senators Warnock and Ossoff to cast the decisive votes—and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel air pollution in U.S. ports and surrounding communities while promoting good-paying and union jobs that help America’s ports thrive.
A longtime advocate for strong federal funding for Georgia’s ports, this latest effort follows Senator Warnock’s bipartisan, bicameral push with Georgia’s full congressional delegation urging officials to study expanding the Port of Savannah to ensure it can continue accommodating increasingly large container vessels. Earlier this year, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah. Also this year, Senator Warnock successfully secured $11.3 million for the Brunswick Harbor through the FY ’24 government funding bill for modifications to improve the efficiency, cost and reliability of ship traffic in the harbor, as well as $44.7 million for the Savannah Harbor to support operations and maintenance. Additionally, in January 2024, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced a $15 million federal grant to the Port of Brunswick for critical infrastructure upgrades, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by both Georgia senators.
In May 2023, Sen. Ossoff and EPA Administrator visited the Port of Savannah to announce the Clean Ports Program and the availability of funding to electrify transportation and logistics to reduce air pollution.
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