By Karen Robes Meeks
Recent results have showed that diesel particulate emissions at the Port of Oakland have fallen 81 percent since 2005, a sign that the port could meet its self-imposed target of lowering emissions by 85 percent by 2020.
“We continue to make progress toward the goal we have set,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Programs and Planning Director Richard Sinkoff. “With cooperation from our partners in the cargo-moving business we firmly believe we’ll fulfill our commitment to cleaner air in Oakland and in our region.”
Results published in a 100-page emissions inventory of 2017 port activity point to a five percent decrease in seaport emissions in the last two years, thanks in part to a port program that called for newer, cleaner trucks, mandates requiring vessels to burn cleaner fuel and plug into shoreline power as well as fewer ships and trucks visits.
This comes as the port updates its new clean air plan, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.