LOS ANGELES HARBOR COMMISSION PRESIDENT S. DAVID FREEMAN NAMED RECIPIENT OF CALSTART 2007 BLUE SKY INNOVATION AWARD

 SAN PEDRO, Calif. — August 29, 2007 — S. David Freeman, president of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission, has been awarded the Charles R. Imbrecht Blue Sky Innovation Award presented by CALSTART 2007.  Commissioner Freeman has been bestowed the award for his leadership role in helping the Port partner with the Port of Long Beach to create the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. 

The San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan was formally adopted by the Board of Harbor Commissioners of both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach in November 2006.  The Plan sets forth a strategy for reducing air emissions from port operations by more than 45 percent over five years.  The Plan is the first of its kind in the maritime industry and is the first time the nation’s number one and two ports have created a joint plan for air emissions.

The Blue Sky Award has been presented since 1996 to global leaders for outstanding marketplace actions in clean, advanced transportation.  CALSTART is the California operating division of WestStart-CASTART, a participant-supported organization of more than 145 companies and agencies, dedicated to expanding a high-tech transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs and improves energy efficiency to combat global warming and increase energy security. 

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port.  As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach.  For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles – A Cleaner Port.  A Brighter Future.