HISTORY
In 2025, POLA, in collaboration with five major container terminal partners (APM Terminals [APMT], Everport Terminal Services (Everport), Fenix Marine Services (Fenix), TraPac, and Yusen Terminals LLC [YTI]) and its community partner, the Harbor Community Benefit Foundation (HCBF), was awarded an EPA grant to reduce air pollution in a severe non-attainment area and advance the Port toward 100% ZE operations while fostering high-quality jobs and community-centered engagement.
The Clean Ports Program involves acquiring and deploying ZE cargo handling equipment, installing charging and electrical infrastructure, workforce training, expanding a ZE truck incentive program, and a robust community-led engagement strategy to ensure broad-based and awareness of this EPA funded grant.
WHAT IS THE EPA CLEAN PORTS PROGRAM?
The Program represents a significant component of a larger regional vision for the San Pedro Bay Ports Complex to achieve ZE operations. Through long-term coordination with the Port of Long Beach, POLA actively engages in cross-port ZE equipment deployments, workforce training initiatives, and community outreach. Together, the EPA Clean Ports investments proposed by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will support shared decarbonization goals and advance the electrification of both ports, which collectively handle approximately 40% of the country’s waterborne containers.
The EPA Clean Ports Project at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex will provide a replicable model for ZE deployment and encourage widespread industry adoption of alternative fuels and advanced technologies. This is a very exciting investment of over $413 million to the region.
HCBF will receive $50 million to:
- Conduct extensive public engagement for the whole project
- Manage a citizen-driven grant program, within EPA’s guidelines
- Develop and implement a workforce development program
HCBF is excited to administer this fifty-million-dollar investment that will reduce air pollution and bring good quality jobs, training and apprenticeships to the port impacted communities.
Upcoming Community Update Meetings
COMING SOON
Past Community Meetings
EPA Clean Ports Newsletters
EPA Clean Ports Program Team
Otto Solorzano
Otto@hcbf.org
Executive leader and trusted advisor with over 30 years of experience in public sector and nonprofit administration, specializing in financial management, policy development, and large-scale program implementation.
Proven track record of leading complex, multi-agency initiatives and strengthening organizational performance through strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and operational excellence.
Currently serving as a senior consultant to government agencies and nonprofit organizations, advising on the design and implementation of high-impact programs, including workforce development and services for justice-involved populations.
Recognized for deep expertise in public fund management, regulatory compliance (federal, state, and local), and audit readiness, ensuring accountability and sustainability across diverse funding streams.
Known for building strong partnerships across government and community stakeholders, developing effective administrative frameworks, and coaching leaders to navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.
Patricia Ramos, Ed.D.
tricia@hcbf.org
President & CEO, Wave Makers | Workforce Strategist | Builder of Industry-Aligned Educational Pathways
Patricia recently retired after 25 years in higher education at Santa Monica College.
As Dean of Workforce Development, she led innovative initiatives to bring career pathways in the Blue Economy.
She is the founder of the Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) which aims to meet the emerging employment demands in ocean-related labor markets in Los Angeles that are aligned with California state climate action and environmental priorities.
Louisa Ollague, EPA Grant Manager
louisa@hcbf.org
With more than twenty-five years of LA County government experience, Louisa secured funding for unincorporated county park and library services, rent relief, mortgage relief, homeless program initiative and many other complex public investments. As policy staff, she oversaw initiatives to increase housing, social services, and quality of life programs in the County of Los Angeles. She served as a senior policy advisor for three County elected officials. She graduated from the Lawrenceville School and Wellesley College and pursued graduate work at the Claremont Graduate School.
Aydin Pasebani, ZE Grant Manager
aydin@hcbf.org
Aydin Pasebani is an urban planner with experience in public policy, environmental planning, and public-sector grant administration across Los Angeles County, including work with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the State of California. Aydin holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Real Estate, & Law from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Liza Zavala, Support Staff
liza@hcbf.org
Liza possesses extensive experience in county and state affairs, having managed 14 County Community Service Centers. She collaborated closely with the County Workforce system, with particular emphasis on youth employment initiatives, prior to her retirement. Liza is the mother of two sons currently attending college and has roots in Northeast Los Angeles, where she was born and raised.
Mari Mercado, Public Engagement Manager
mari@hcbf.org
Mari Mercado is a mother and grandmother with over 30 years of experience in community benefits work. Her background as a teacher, artist, and activist has shaped her efforts to advance social justice. Mari has led successful campaigns for living wages, advocated for language justice, and promoted equity in various communities. She was born and raised in East LA and holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from UCLA.
Glossary of Program Terms
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
