The dirty diesel trucks that service the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are responsible for 30% to 40% of all port-related pollution, including 34% of smog forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 23% of port-related diesel Particulate Matter (PM), a known contributor to higher cancer risks, lung disease and global warming. In California statewide, goods movement trucks account for 18% of the total carbon footprint from California goods movement. If we are to clean up our air, and move towards a zero-carbon future, we must move decision-makers to replace dirty trucks with cleaner alternatives that meet and exceed the highest emission standards, and even better, move us away from the oil-based energy system that trucks utilize. CleanPorts Continues Fight for Cleanest Trucks at Ports The success of the Clean Trucks Program is dependent on the Ports’ commitment to replace half of the 16,800 trucks with the cleanest available alternative-fuel trucks. Since the program went into effect in October of 2008 over 2,000 new trucks have replaced older dirtier trucks. Unfortunately, only about 200 have been alternative-fuel trucks, far short of the 50 percent needed to achieve significant diesel and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In addition, industry and its government allies have attempted to block the program through legal manipulation and lawsuits. These opponents of the Clean Trucks Program say that the cost of cleaning up deadly air pollution is unreasonable in these dire economic times. But we know that we cannot afford dirty business-as-usual, with the public paying over $28 billion a year in health costs, lost work days, and premature deaths from diesel pollution in California, primarily from trucks. CCP continues to fight for the deployment of alternative-fuel trucks knowing that they are one step closer towards cleaner, healthier air, cleaner technologies, and a sustainable economy. An investment in alternative-fuel trucks is an investment in the present and the future. They:
Who’s Holding Up Clean Air and Cleaner Trucks on our Roads? CleanPorts has engaged the public, government representatives, port officials, and allies in an effort to realize a successful Clean Trucks Program. The results of these efforts have been significant:
As a result of the severe economic downturn, the Ports have shown a willingness to forsake their commitments by refusing to replace half of the truck fleet with alternative-fuel trucks. This would be disastrous for several reasons. Locally, communities surrounding the Ports and the Southern California region as a whole would not see the air quality improvements they need and deserve to reduce health impacts. Regionally, nationally, and even globally, ports and governments view the CTP as the prototype for cleaning up heavy-duty port trucks, generally the oldest and dirtiest on the roads. Finally, in contrast to significant advances in passenger transportation which has seen the introduction and increasing market penetration of hybrids, electric, and fuel cell vehicles, heavy-duty trucks almost exclusively run on diesel, one of the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. Port trucks which generally transport goods over short distances in a limited geographic area, are ideal for the introduction and perfection of new alternative-fuel technologies and infrastructure that can eventually be employed on a regional and nationwide basis. Read More
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- Health costs to Californians, so far this year, of port related pollution in California.
The Ports of LA Long Beach Clean Air Action Plan passed in November 2006, and 1500 clean trucks service the ports.
Port Pollution Facts
- In Long Beach, 20% of children under 17 have been diagnosed with asthma - nearly twice the national average.
- $67 million: The cost of respiratory problems associated with ports in CA.
- Diesel Exhaust is responsible for 84% of the cancer risk from air pollution in the Southern California Air Basin.
- $19 BILLION: Cost on health system due to port pollution. average.
- Each day the Port of LA emits over 30 tons of NOx, while a half a million cars emits less than 24 tons and the average power plant emits less than 5 tons.
- 2,400 - Estimated number of premature deaths caused by diesel emissions.
- 800,000: Number of children that pollution reduction could save from lung disease.
- Each day the Port of Los Angeles emits over 30 tons of NOx, while a half a million cars emits less than 24 tons and the average power plant emits less than 5 tons.
Trucks
