The Port of Long Beach saw diesel particulates plummet 88 percent in the last 14 years, as well as other pollutants, according to the port’s 2019 annual emissions inventory report presented to harbor leaders Thursday.
Since 2005, greenhouse gases are down by 19 percent, sulfur oxides by 97 percent and nitrogen oxides by 58 percent, the study said. These reductions come as business at the port grew.
“Together with our supply chain partners, we have made significant progress in improving air quality and reducing health risks,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Although we are meeting most of our emissions goals, it is becoming clear we are at the limits of existing technology. That’s why we are investing millions to develop and deploy the cleaner equipment.”
Long Beach, along with neighboring Port of Los Angeles, have plans to go after port-related pollution more aggressively through its newest version of the San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan, which was updated in 2017.
In the update, the port will push for the development and testing of zero-emissions port equipment and other efforts.
“Right now, we have $150 million in projects all across our port, all in the name of cleaner air,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are aggressively pursuing the CAAP goals of having a zero-emissions cargo-handling fleet by 2030 and all zero-emissions drayage trucks by 2035.”
