L.A., Long Beach ports adopt clean air pact

The boards of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach last week agreed to follow a new plan to reduce air pollution.

The 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) will usher in a new era of aggressive clean air strategies for moving cargo through the port complex, port and local government officials said in a joint press release.

The document provides guidance for moving toward a zero-emission future, they said.

"This update to the Clean Air Action Plan is an important step toward our ambitious goal of zero emissions land-side goods movement by 2035, and I look forward to making even more progress with our partners in the months and years to come," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Strategies in the plan include expanding the use of on-dock rail, with the long-term goal of moving 50 percent of all cargo leaving the ports by rail.

Targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) from port-related sources to combat global warming and climate change are a new element of the 2017 CAAP. The document calls for the ports to reduce GHGs 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

"These new policies and strategies are some of the most progressive air quality rules in the nation," said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. "We are serious about fighting climate change, protecting local residents, and promoting economic success at our ports."