SAN PEDRO BAY, CA: July 19, 2017. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, America's two largest ports, have published a plan to reduce trucks and terminal equipment emissions "to zero or near-zero" levels by 2035 at an estimated cost of US$7-US$14 billion.
The two ports handle approximately 40 percent of all U.S. containerized import traffic and 25 percent of its exports. Their updated Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
A shopping list of objectives planned to launch next year include: a zero emissions drayage fleet by 2035; zero emissions from terminal equipment by 2030; a reduction in at-berth emissions; technology to attract the cleanest vessels; the use of rail for 50 percent of all inbound cargo exiting the ports; developing charging standards for electric cargo handling equipment; minimizing truck turn times; exploring the use of short-haul rail, staging yards and intelligent transportation systems; and supporting terminal equipment electrification, alternative fuels and other energy resource goals.
"These ports are going where no port has gone before," said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka. "Based on what we've already accomplished to promote healthy, robust trade through our gateway, we're ready to make history again, looking at a new array of technologies and strategies to further lower port-related emissions in the decades ahead."
The ports say their updated CAAP incorporates feedback from nearly two years of extensive dialogue with industry, environmental groups, regulatory agencies and neighboring communities.
"Working closely with all our partners has been crucial to our success. That same collaboration went into the development of the 2017 CAAP and will be indispensable going forward," added Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero. "Since 2006, the Clean Air Action Plan has been a model for programs to reduce health risks and air quality impacts from port operations worldwide. We remain committed to being leaders in seaport sustainability."
