Port Seeks Goal of Zero Emissions

Long Beach Port Director Mario Cordero addressed approximately 750 industry partners, community members, journalists and civic leaders who gathered at the Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom for the State of the Port address. He told them that imaginative initiatives will be driving the Port of Long Beach’s goal to become the world’s first zero-emissions seaport.

Building on nearly two decades of green initiatives, the Port is establishing a Zero Emissions, Energy Resilient Operations Program, known as ZEERO, that will invest in projects aimed at reducing the impacts of operations and improving air quality.

Over the next decade, the port plans to invest in rail improvements that will improve efficiency, reduce truck trips and lessen environmental impacts amid increases in cargo.

Citing the port’s unparalleled track record of industry-leading efforts and investments to improve air quality and natural harbor habitat, Cordero called on companies with strong environmental policies to choose the Port of Long Beach when shipping their goods and materials.

“While other ports offer incentives for cargo, we offer our customers incentives for environmental performance. And, that’s another example of how important environmental stewardship is to this port,” said Cordero.

“Additionally, The Port of Long Beach community grants program funds projects to help those who are most vulnerable to port related environmental impacts, reduce greenhouse gasses and improve water quality. The port has set aside more than $65 million for these grants, making it the largest voluntary port mitigation initiative in the country,” he added.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. The port handles trade valued at more than $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the nation, including 575,000 in Southern California.