TRENTON, NJ — On Monday, July 22, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the allocation of over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to support community-driven climate initiatives.
Among the recipients, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland secured $249 million in federal funding for the Clean Corridor Coalition.
This project aims to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along the Interstate-95 freight corridor and adjacent roadways.
“The steps we take today to lower emissions from heavy-duty vehicles along New Jersey’s transportation corridors will improve air quality in our communities, while mitigating climate impacts well into the future,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Building out charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor is key to advancing those goals. We are thankful to the Biden-Harris Administration and the members of our congressional delegation who supported the Inflation Reduction Act for this important funding which will help us facilitate New Jersey’s rapid transition to an electric vehicle future, support workforce development, and provide benefits to our overburdened communities.”
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, stating, “Building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future isn’t just the right thing to do for our planet — it’s also the right thing to do for our people.
This new federal investment will help us create jobs, cut emissions, and build new pathways to prosperity for all. Maryland is grateful for the support of our partners in the Biden-Harris Administration and along the eastern seaboard. Together, we will make sure that the transition to clean energy leaves no one behind.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the health benefits and economic significance of the project.
“Connecticut’s freight corridor from New York to the Massachusetts border along I-95 to I-91 to I-84 is vital to our regional economy. It also runs through the heart of many of our largest cities, where higher levels of diesel emissions contribute to higher rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This Clean Corridor will improve the health and quality of life for the families in these communities by reducing diesel pollution, fighting climate change, and keeping our economy running smoothly.”
Delaware Governor John Carney stressed the importance of addressing transportation emissions. “Delaware is working to transition to a clean energy future to reduce pollution and take on climate change. Addressing transportation emissions, which is a major portion of the air pollution in Delaware, is a critical part of that effort. These federal resources to make charging available to larger commercial vehicles traveling I-95 will help make the air cleaner for communities in Delaware.”
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia commented on the broader impact of the funding, stating, “Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to address climate change and promote environmental justice along Interstate 95. The nearly $250 million grant to the Clean Corridor Coalition will not only reduce harmful emissions along one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors but will also help create jobs and produce health benefits for every community along I-95.”
The Clean Corridor Coalition’s initiative underscores the collaborative efforts of these states in tackling climate change, reducing air pollution, and advancing environmental justice through the deployment of critical charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
