PORT OF LOS ANGELES’ 2007 AIR EMISSIONS INVENTORY SHOWS ENCOURAGING DECLINES IN PORT-RELATED AIR POLLUTION
Decreases in Sulfur Oxide, Nitrogen Oxide and Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions Reduce Port’s Share of Emissions in the South Coast Air Basin
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – December 18, 2008 – Despite only a one-percent drop in cargo volumes from 2006 to 2007, air pollution from cargo-related operations at the Port of Los Angeles during 2007 dropped markedly in key pollutant categories, according to the Port’s 2007 Inventory of Air Emissions. Port officials attribute the emissions reduction to the use of cleaner fuels in cargo ships (mandated by a 2007 California Air Resources Board rule) as well as truck-related idle reduction and clean fuel measures implemented as part of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The CAAP was approved in November 2006 by the Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Commissions.
In comparison to 2006 emissions inventory, 2007 saw a 34-percent decrease in Sulfur Oxide (SOx) emissions, a nine-percent decrease in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions, and a 20-percent decrease in Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) emissions. Year over year greenhouse gas emission levels also dropped between eight and 11 percent in 2007.
“This is good news, but these figures are still not an accurate reflection of the emission reductions we will achieve through full implementation of our five-year Clean Air Action Plan,” said Harbor Commission President S. David Freeman. “In future inventories, those CAAP reductions will become more apparent.”
The reductions in calendar year 2007 emissions are even more remarkable given the 61-percent increase in cargo volumes between 2001 and 2007. During that period, SOx emissions have decreased by 40 percent and particulate matter emissions dropped by 11 to 13 percent below 2001 levels – reductions that are significantly ahead of the 2011 CAAP estimated emission reduction targets.
“The trend since our 2001 emissions inventory shows that we are lowering port-related health risks and doing our part to clean the air in the L.A. basin,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “We’re on the right track in terms of our ‘green growth’ strategy for advancing port development while reducing harmful emissions from ships, trucks, locomotives and other mobile sources in the Port.”
The Port’s share of basin-wide emissions has also continued to drop in 2007, with SOx emissions (predominantly from cargo vessels) down to 22 percent from 27 percent in 2006, and NOx emissions down to five percent from six percent year-over-year. DPM decreased to nine percent in 2007 compared to 11 percent in 2006.
Goods movement operations through the San Pedro Bay Ports collectively make up the largest single source of air pollution in the Los Angeles Basin. The CAAP includes innovative strategies to reduce emissions from ocean vessels, trucks, trains, cargo handling equipment and harbor craft by nearly 50 percent by 2012. The CAAP’s Clean Truck Program is expected to cut diesel emissions from cargo trucks by 80 percent in five years. Beginning October 1, 2008, hundreds of the highest-polluting cargo trucks manufactured before 1989 were banned from service at the port complex. Meanwhile, Port of Los Angeles incentives have accelerated the deployment of 2007 EPA-compliant drayage trucks at the Port, with about 2,000 of 2007-standard trucks estimated to be in service by year-end.
About the Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles, also known as “America’s Port,” has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy and the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. A recipient of numerous environmental awards, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Air Excellence Award, the Port of Los Angeles is committed to innovating cleaner, greener ways of doing business. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 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. The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port. A brighter future.