Department of Ecology awards port $318,000 grant to acquire all-electric forklift; ongoing transition to zero-emission equipment in port’s Climate Action Plan

The port’s 1978 diesel-powered forklift will be decommissioned and replaced with new electric-powered forklift.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – In pursuit of the goals laid out in its emission reduction blueprint, the Port of Vancouver USA has secured a grant to replace a 1978 diesel forklift with an all-electric model. The acquisition of an electric forklift represents a shared investment that will include $318,273 in grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology and $79,568 from the port.
“We’re so pleased to have secured grant funding for the Port of Vancouver USA to replace an old, diesel forklift with brand new electric equipment,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “This upgrade represents another step in our journey to cut emissions in line with our Climate Action Plan, while enhancing our ability to move cargo and operate efficiently.”
The Department of Ecology awarded this grant as part of a program to permanently deactivate old diesel equipment and vehicles used by ports and other public and tribal entities, replacing them with zero-emission equipment. In addition to carbon reduction benefits, electric equipment has fewer moving parts than traditional diesel equipment – equating to lower operating costs and less maintenance.
The port began implementing its Climate Action Plan in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality and health benefits in the community. The plan outlines specific actions for the port, including the electrification or hybridization of diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment.