By Karen Robes Meeks
Next fall, the Port of Oakland is expected to have an updated Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan in place.
The current document, which expires in 2020, has shaped the port’s environmental policy since 2009. The new version is expected to address two key objectives – expanding the port’s efforts to lower diesel particulate matter emissions; and developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the port, the plan could include using emerging technology to further curb emissions such as zero-and-near zero-emissions cargo handling equipment.
“Over nearly a decade, we’ve made significant progress in curbing emissions, improving air quality and protecting the community’s health,” said Richard Sinkoff, the port’s Director of Environmental Programs and Planning. “But we can’t stop now – we’ve got to have a new plan in place well before the old one expires.”
