The Port of Long Beach is continuing to outperform 2023 clean air goals, with a drop in diesel particulates by 88%, sulfur oxides by 97% and nitrogen oxides by 56% since 2005, according to the port’s annual “emissions inventory” for 2017. Meanwhile, cargo volumes have jumped to record levels.
The report found the Port has maintained lower levels of emissions even though container traffic rose 11% in 2017. The Port’s efficiency in moving containers measured by tons of emissions per TEU has improved by 23% since 2005, according to Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.
The Clean Air Action Plan set 2023 reduction targets for diesel particulates at 77%, sulfur oxides at 93% and nitrogen oxides at 59%.
The Port has already made dramatic reductions in emissions, but we will not be finished or satisfied until we achieve our community health, air quality, and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals. We know we’ve picked the so-called low-hanging fruit. That’s why the ambitious Clean Air Action Plan update passed last year leverages new technologies and fosters the development of new equipment to reach a zero-emissions goal in the terminals by 2030 and on the roads by 2035,
…said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue.
In addition, greenhouse gases, which were not targeted for reduction in the original Clean Air Action Plan, were nevertheless curtailed by 18% in 2017 compared to 2005. However, the reduction is less than the 22% the previous year. Port officials attributed the change to increased cargo volumes and ship visits; however, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per TEU moved is down.
The Port of Long Beach’s efforts to improve air quality have included the Clean Trucks Program, the adoption of shore power for container ships and the Port’s Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program. Additionally, the Port’s future Pier B On-Dock Rail Facility will be the centerpiece of a program to increase the use of on-dock rail for greener operations.
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