The CAAP 2017 Update is a comprehensive strategy for accelerating progress toward a zero-emission future while protecting and strengthening the ports’ competitive position in the global economy. Since 2005, port-related air pollution emissions in San Pedro Bay have dropped 87% for diesel particulate matter, 56% for nitrogen oxides, and 97% for sulfur oxides.

Targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) from port-related sources were introduced as part of the 2017 CAAP. The document calls for the ports to reduce GHGs 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

The Clean Air Action Plan was originally approved in 2006.

On April 7, 2010, the Ports of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach released for public review a proposed, updated document, the 2010 San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP Update) that includes new, far-reaching goals for curbing port-related air pollution over the next decade.

The focus areas of the Draft CAAP Update remain the same as the original CAAP. The CAAP Update includes information on the ports’ overall progress in implementing the original CAAP strategies, as well as updates based on changes in federal and state regulations. The most significant addition to the Draft CAAP Update is the San Pedro Bay Standards, which establish long-term goals for emissions and health-risk reductions for the ports. Also, the Draft CAAP Update identifies milestone dates and forecasts potential emissions reductions and budget commitments for the next five years, through the end of 2013. Finally, the CAAP Update is consistent with the ports' pledge in the original CAAP that the plan would be updated periodically to make sure it remains current and forward-thinking.

The Clean Air Action Plan’s goals for 2014 include cutting Port-related DPM emissions by 72%, NOx emissions by 22%, and SOx emissions by 93% below 2005 levels. Further decreases including reducing the population-weighted residential cancer risk of port-related DPM emissions by 85% are targeted by 2020. The CAAP goals are closely tied into the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s plan to meet federal air quality standards.

The Los Angeles and Long Beach Boards of Harbor Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2010 CAAP Update on November 22, 2010.

On November 20, 2006, the governing boards of the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach voted to approve the landmark San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, the most comprehensive strategy to cut air pollution and reduce health risks ever produced for a global seaport complex. The historic vote committed the ports to an aggressive plan to reduce pollution by at least 45% within five years. In moving ahead with the plan, commissioners approved amendments directing staff to develop:

-A truck replacement program to phase out all “dirty” diesel trucks from the ports within five years, replaced with a new generation of clean or retrofitted vehicles and driven by people who earn at least the prevailing wage.
-Aggressive milestones with measurable goals for air quality improvements.
-Recommendations to eliminate emissions of ultra-fine particulates.
-A technology advancement program to reduce emissions, including green house gases.
-A public participation process with environmental organizations and the business community.

The five-year, $2-billion Clean Air Action Plan was created with the cooperation and participation of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with investments by the two ports for air quality programs, extensive use of ship-to-shore electricity at the ports within five years, a commitment to use pollution-based impact fees pollution-based impact fees so that polluters pay their part to improve air quality.