The updated Clean Air Action Plan includes near- and long-term strategies grouped into four categories: Freight Efficiency; Energy Resource Planning; Freight Infrastructure Investment & Planning; and Clean Vehicles, Equipment Technology & Fuels.
The Southern California seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on July 19 released the draft version of their proposed 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) update, which outlines a new set of strategies for the harbor complex to further reduce air pollution from all port-related sources.
The draft pollution reduction plan also aims to help California meet aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals, as well as achieve zero emissions for trucks and terminal equipment within the next two decades.
The 2017 CAAP update’s near-term and long-term strategies are grouped into four categories: Freight Efficiency; Energy Resource Planning; Freight Infrastructure Investment & Planning; and Clean Vehicles, Equipment Technology & Fuels.
Strategies outlined in the draft plan include:
• Phasing in clean engine standards for new trucks entering the port drayage registries starting next year, followed by a truck rate structure that encourages the use of near-zero- and zero-emissions trucks, with the goal of transitioning to a zero-emissions drayage fleet by 2035;
• Expanding use of on-dock rail, with the long-term goal of moving 50 percent of all inbound cargo leaving the ports by rail;
• Developing a universal truck appointment system for the entire complex with the goal of minimizing truck turn times, and;
• And developing infrastructure plans that support terminal equipment electrification, alternative fuels and other energy resource goals.
The release of the 2017 draft CAAP update now launches a public review and comment period that extends through Sept. 18. Written comments may be submitted to CAAP@cleanairactionplan.org until 5 p.m. on the closing date. The ports also plan to hold an Aug. 30 public workshop at Banning’s Landing Community Center, at 100 Water St. in Wilmington, Calif. starting at 5 p.m. for people to comment.
Additionally, harbor commissioners from both ports plan to hold a joint public meeting in November to consider the final draft.
“These ports are going where no port has gone before,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said of the update. “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.”
“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. “We remain committed to being leaders in seaport sustainability.”
Supporting documents also include a preliminary analysis estimating the cost of implementing the 2017 CAAP at $7 billion to $14 billion.
The original Clean Air Action Plan, which was jointly adopted by the ports in 2006, is a raft of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing pollution from ships, drayage trucks, trains, harbor equipment and other sources. Since its implementation, the CAAP has led to significant emissions reductions, even as trade volumes have increased 7 percent at the port complex over the past decade, according to the ports.
The 2017 CAAP update sets new clean air goals focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
The plan also carries over previous 2023 targets for cutting other primary pollutants aimed at reducing diesel particulate matter 77 percent, sulfur oxides (SOx) 93 percent, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) 59 percent below 2005 levels.