Port of L.A. Joins Landmark Zero-Emissions Pact Today

UPDATE: The Port of Los Angeles has just signed a transformative agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, marking a significant step toward a zero-emissions future for the region. This landmark pact, approved by the harbor commission on November 21, 2023, commits both the Port of L.A. and the neighboring Port of Long Beach to develop essential zero-emissions infrastructure.

This unanimous decision, which follows the Port of Long Beach’s approval earlier this month, replaces a contentious proposal that could have limited port cargo operations. Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka described the agreement as a “landmark” initiative that transitions the ports from “aspirational goals” to “mandatory, verifiable action.”

The cooperative agreement outlines a binding five-year plan with specific deadlines and measurable goals, ensuring accountability. Deputy Executive Director David Libatique emphasized that it will address all five major sources of port pollution: cargo handling equipment, drayage trucks, locomotives, harbor craft, and ocean-going vessels. “A plan will be made for each category,” he confirmed.

The agreement represents a critical move for air quality improvement in the region, especially as pollution from ports has drawn significant public concern. Heather Tomley, managing director of Planning and Environmental Affairs at the Port of Long Beach, expressed her support, stating, “This was a roll-up-your-sleeves, all-in effort to bring this forward.”

The South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board had previously approved this agreement on November 7, 2023. The plan outlines a phased approach to implement zero-emissions infrastructure, starting with a draft plan due by May 2027 and finalized plans for all categories by the end of 2029.

However, not all stakeholders are on board. Critics, including policy advocate Dori Chandler of the Coalition for Clean Air, have raised concerns about transparency and community involvement, urging that public trust must be restored. “The public process needs to be transparent and participatory,” she added.

In other developments, the Port of L.A. commissioners also approved a revised Environmental Impact Report for the China Shipping Terminal at Berths 97-109. This facility is crucial, handling over 10% of the port’s cargo. Despite this approval, community members have voiced concerns about the report’s enforcement and its effectiveness in combating pollution.

Dr. John Miller, an emergency room physician and original court challenger, stressed the importance of enforceable mitigation measures. He urged the port to adequately address community concerns as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.

As this situation unfolds, the focus remains on how effectively these agreements will be implemented and whether they will genuinely lead to improved air quality and reduced emissions in the region. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the ports embark on this ambitious journey toward a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the impact of these agreements begins to take shape in the coming years.