Administrator Michael Regan, Remarks for the Baltimore Clean Ports Event, As Prepared for Delivery

Remarks for the Baltimore Clean Ports Event, As Prepared for Delivery

Michael Regan

October 28, 2024
Baltimore, Maryland

Mr. President, I know you are listening backstage...so, let me just start by saying, YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!

You continue to put the American people first!

Cities like Baltimore … communities, workers, and families all across the country are seeing and feeling the real results of your administration.

So, thank you Mr. President for inviting me to join you in Charm City today!

To my good friend Governor Moore, thank you for your incredible leadership...your vision, passion, and all that you do for the people of Maryland.

And to the Maryland delegation-Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Mfume...thank you for your bold partnership with this administration.

Your important votes for the Inflation Reduction Act are a major reason we are here today.

And to the state and local leaders here today, thank you for your service to the city, to the state and to our nation.

President Biden and Vice President Harris made it clear from day one that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue...but an issue of justice and fairness for our most vulnerable communities.

It's an opportunity to rebuild and revitalize our nation's infrastructure.

And it's an opportunity to grow the American economy … one that lifts up everyone.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have demonstrated that you can do all of these things … while advancing the most ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda in our nation's history.

And that's why we are here at the Port of Baltimore...a critical hub that is essential to both our nation's economy and the economy of the local community...employing over 20,000 people in the surrounding area.

Yet, we also know that too many communities near our nation's ports are exposed to diesel pollution from cargo equipment, trucks, ships and locomotives that enter and exit the port daily.

But today we are here to deliver good news! The good news is protecting people and encouraging a strong economy can go hand in hand...and that's where EPA's Clean Ports Program comes in.

Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris' investing in America Agenda...EPA's $3 billion dollar Clean Ports Program will cut pollution by deploying zero-emissions equipment that is operated and maintained by American workers.

All while ensuring that the iron, steel, and construction materials for these projects come from American manufacturers...creating jobs right here at home.

But this is more than just an investment in cleaner ports and our economy...it's an investment in our frontline communities who have borne the brunt of pollution for far too long.

By prioritizing environmental justice communities, we are providing a pathway for a more just, clean energy future.

After the bridge collapse, when this port needed us most...President Biden mobilized the full power of the federal government to help Baltimore build back cleaner and stronger.

That's why today, we are investing nearly $148 million dollars in the Port of Baltimore...and you will hear more about that investment directly from President Biden.

Folks, this is a great day for the Port of Baltimore...and it's a great day for ports all across the country.

Because of the bold leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are investing in a future where all people...no matter the color of your skin, the community you live in, or the money in your pockets...have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to live a healthy life.

Thank you all!

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