The purpose of the grants are for an overall improvement of port systems while creating zero-emission infrastructure to decrease pollution. Newsom noted that “These investments will modernize our ports, reduce pollution, eliminate bottlenecks, and create a more dynamic distribution network.”
Union Worker Action Close West Coast Ports
Several ports across the West Coast closed abruptly due to union workers walking off the job. The Port of Oakland experienced a closure on both the TraPac and its largest, the SSA terminal. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach similarly had terminal shutdowns due to insufficient labor. Negotiations between the PMA and the ILWU have reached a boiling point. To show their frustrations over insufficient wage talks, ILWU workers have gone on strike, affecting port operations.