Despite processing record cargo, the Port of Long Beach says that it has met all of its 2023 goals set out in the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan to lower air emissions for the first time.
Although cargo production rose 21%, Long Beach saw diesel pollution plummet 90%, nitrogen oxides drop 62%, and sulfur oxides dive 97% when compared to the 2005 baseline, according to the port’s annual emissions inventory report recently given to the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in affecting those numbers, including suspending cruise ship passenger operations in March and receiving fewer oil tankers in Long Beach, according to the port.
“We celebrate this success, but our ultimate goal is still to be an emissions-free port,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said. “We are continuing to invest in the technology needed for cleaner equipment.”
Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions rose 7% from 2019 to 2020, according to port data, with the cause being attributed to a result of record cargo activity last year.
“We are absolutely committed to showing the way forward for sustainable goods movement,” port Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “At the same time, our industry partners and other stakeholders deserve a great deal of credit for cleaning the air. We could not have accomplished this without a shared commitment to cleaner operations.”
