Commercial Marine Ports

About

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the two busiest marine container ports in the nation. In 2006 the Ports jointly adopted their first Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). This plan was updated in 2010 and again in 2017. Implementation of the CAAP, as well as a variety of CARB regulations, led to significant early emission reductions of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM, a toxic carcinogen), Sulfur Oxides (SOx, a key component of regional particulate matter), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx, a key contributor to regional smog). Emission reductions have continued in recent years, but at a slower pace. The ports remain the largest contributor to NOx in our region, and DPM emissions from port sources continue to disproportionately impact neighboring communities. For this reason, emission reduction control measures have been included in the 2016 Air Quality Management Plan, the 2022 Air Quality Management Plan, as well as the AB 617 Community Emission Reduction Plan for the Wilmington, Carson, West Long Beach.

The AQMP control measure MOB-01: Emission Reductions at Commercial Marine Ports seeks to develop specific actions that the ports can take to significantly reduce emissions from their operations, including through implementing the CAAP or other measures that ultimately will assist with achieving air quality standards and reduce impacts on nearby communities.

The 2022 AQMP also includes control measure MOB-12: Pacific Rim Initiative for Maritime Emission Reductions (PRIMER), to explore potential transpacific partnerships to facilitate emission reductions from ocean-going vessels deployed on shipping routes that transverse through the San Pedro Bay Ports and other Pacific Rim ports. In September 2024, Shenzhen, Long Beach Ports, and the South Coast AQMD signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote economic development prioritizing sustainability and public health.