Pollution Down at Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach’s latest annual emissions inventory study showed dramatic decreases in operations-related pollution. Since 2005, nitrogen oxides have been down by 56 percent, sulfur oxides by 97 percent, diesel emissions by 87 percent and greenhouse gases by 16 percent when compared to 2018 numbers.

“We’re seeing the results of the hard work by the port and the goods movement industry, and we’re showing the world that sustainable cargo movement is possible,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “There’s work to be done to get to our ultimate goal of zero-emissions operations, but I’m confident we will get there together.

Because of last year’s record cargo numbers, the 2018 inventory showed a slight increase from the previous year’s inventory. The 2017 numbers posted an 88 percent decrease in diesel particulates and an 18 percent decrease in greenhouse gases when compared to 2005.

“We’ve accomplished these reductions even while container traffic has risen 21 percent since 2005,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are proud of what we’ve done in cooperation with our many partners, but we’re not finished. The port is managing $150 million in projects all across our port, all in the name of cleaner air. This includes $80 million in grant funding to demonstrate zero emissions equipment and advanced energy systems in port operations.”

By Karen Robes Meeks