By Mark Edward Nero
California Governor Jerry Brown on July 16 issued an
executive order calling for the development of an action plan that establishes
“clear targets to improve freight efficiency, transition to zero-emission
technologies, and increase competitiveness of California’s freight system.”
The plan, which is expected to be lead by the California
State Transportation Agency, state Environmental Protection Agency and the
Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, is due by July 2016.
Under Brown’s order, the action plan is required to identify state
policies, programs, and investments to achieve the above-stated targets, and
that the plan be informed by existing state agency strategies, as well as broad
stakeholder input.
“It is further ordered that agencies under my direct
executive authority cooperate in the implementation of this order, and it is
requested that other public and private entities assist in its development and
implementation as appropriate,” Brown stated.
To ensure progress towards a sustainable freight system,
Brown stated, the various entities are to initiate work this year on freight
pilot projects within California’s primary trade corridors that “integrate
advanced technologies, alternative fuels, freight and fuel infrastructure and
local economic development opportunities.”
California is the largest gateway for international trade
and domestic commerce in the US; its freight transportation system is
responsible for a third of the state’s economy and jobs.