Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach once again reiterate their commitment to green initiatives, some of which have been in place for more than twenty years. Officials in both ports said they would continue to pursue environmental programs even if the Trump administration tried to weaken or abolish federal and state-level environmental policies.

President Trump launched the process of withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement on his first day in office, a move similar to his first term. He has previously criticized California's policies on reducing vehicle emissions. However, Southern California ports still maintain their advanced cleaning fleet standards and actively work with private companies to establish electric truck charging networks within the port area.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director GeneSeroka stressed the importance of building links with Washington policymakers, while Long Beach Port Executive Director MarioCordero stressed that the two ports have been working with federal agencies since the launch of the Green Port Initiative in 2005.

Many federal, state and local funded programs at the port aim to reduce emissions from cargo handling equipment, trucks, and trains. One of the projects worth noting is the PierB Pier rail station project in Long Beach, which is expected to reduce hundreds of truck journeys per day, relieving traffic pressure on surrounding highways.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC DOUBLE HARVESTING

A report from both ports shows that pollution emissions have decreased significantly over the past 20 years. Compared to 2005, Long Beach Port Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) decreased 92%, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) decreased 71%, Sulphur Oxide (SOx) decreased 98% and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) decreased 17%. Over the same period, the Port of Los Angeles saw a 91% reduction in diesel particulate matter, 74% reduction in nitrogen oxide, 98% in sulphur dioxide and 24% in greenhouse gases.

These achievements are accompanied by record-breaking container throughput in 2024. The Port of Long Beach handled 960 million standard cases (TEUs), an increase of 20.3% compared to 2023; throughput at the Port of Los Angeles reached 1030,000 standard cases, an increase of 19.3%.

Cordero stressed that the data debunks the notion that environmental regulations are hindering economic growth. “This is demonstrably wrong for those who think green ports cannot compete commercially,” he said. We are showing that environmental progress and economic success are win-win.”

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