Clean Air Comment Period

By Karen Robes Meeks

The nation’s two busiest seaports have released their latest vision for cleaner air and the public will have a chance to comment on it.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have put out an updated draft of their joint 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), a blueprint of short- and long-term strategies for air pollution reduction from port operations, at an estimated cost of up to $14 billion.

The plan calls for:

• Expanding on-dock rail so that half of all inbound cargo leaving the ports will be moved by rail;

• Implementing clean engine standards that will help transition trucks into a zero- emissions drayage fleet by 2035;

• Creating a universal truck appointment system to shrink turn times;

• Creating infrastructure plans that push for the electrification of terminal equipment, alternative fuels and other energy uses.

The plan’s new clean air goals aims at lowering greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.

The update CAAP also carries over the previously established 2023 targets for curbing pollutants below 2005, which included lowering diesel particulate matter by 77 percent, sulfur oxides by 93 percent, and nitrogen oxides by 59 percent. The latest measurements show that Los Angeles and Long Beach have either surpassed or are in striking distance of the 2023 goals, the ports reported.

Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor commissioners are expected to jointly vote on a final version in November.

“These ports are going where no port has gone before,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Based on what we’ve already accomplished to promote healthy, robust trade through our gateway, we’re ready to make history again, looking at a new array of technologies and strategies to further lower port-related emissions in the decades ahead.”

The ports remain committed to leading in seaport sustainability, said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.

“Working closely with all our partners has been crucial to our success. That same collaboration went into the development of the 2017 CAAP and will be indispensable going forward,” he said. “Since 2006, the Clean Air Action Plan has been a model for programs to reduce health risks and air quality impacts from port operations worldwide.”

The public can weigh in until 5 p.m. on September 28 by submitting written comments to CAAP@cleanairactionplan.org. Alternatively, opinions can be shared during the August 30 workshop hosted by both ports at 5 p.m. on at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 Water St. in Wilmington. To view the update, visit http://www.cleanairactionplan.org/2017-clean-air-action-plan-update/

Extended Comment Period for Los Angeles Terminal

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Los Angeles has extended the public comment period to September 29 for those who want to weigh in on an updated draft report addressing the environmental impacts of China Shipping’s terminal at Berths 97-109.

The port did so at the request of community stakeholders who wanted more time to review and comment on the draft the port released last month.

The draft report reviews the terminal’s continued operation under adjusted mitigation measures, given today’s higher cargo movement compared to 2008 when the original document had been created.

The draft suggested several measures to offset “unavoidable significant impacts in air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and ground transportation.”

Some measures in the draft Environment Impact Report (EIR) were requiring that ships be able to use alternative maritime power (such as shore power) while at berth by January 1, take part in the vessel speed reduction program and swap diesel-powered equipment with electric models.

The original EIR was done when China Shipping North America affiliate West Basin Container Terminal wanted to expand its facility, which was approved by the port and completed in 2013.

The EIR then called for China Shipping to buy cleaner cargo handling equipment and zero emissions trucks and test at least 10 pieces of cargo-handling equipment in a yearlong zero emissions demonstration.

But according to the Daily Breeze, the LA port said in 2015 that many of the clean-air requirements have not been implemented.

For a copy of the draft EIR, visit https://www.portoflosangeles.org/EIR/ChinaShipping/DSEIR/dseir_china_shipping.asp

San Pedro Bay Clean Air Plan

By Karen Robes Meeks

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles plan to release their joint draft Clean Air Action Plan 2017 Update on July 19.

The public will have until September 18 to weigh in in writing, in addition to a workshop for public comment scheduled for 5 p.m. on August 30 at Banning’s Landing, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington.

Adopted in 2006, the plan is the twin port’s living blueprint for improving the region’s air quality by curbing the pollution generated by operations at the ports. That includes pushing for cleaner equipment and procedures for vessels, trains and trucks.

Earlier this month, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia strengthened their commitment to the landmark plan, which includes initiatives to further lower at-berth emissions and start a zero emissions drayage truck pilot program in the coming years.

Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners will meet in November to approve the final CAAP 2017 Update. For more, visit www.cleanairactionplan.org or email caap@cleanairactionplan.org.