Ports Make Strides Toward Zero-Emissions Future

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are investing in zero-emissions technology and infrastructure as part of their commitment to cleaner air and a more sustainable future. Both ports aim to transition to a fully zero-emissions cargo-handling fleet by 2030 and a zero-emissions trucking fleet by 2035.

Clean Truck Fund Fuels Infrastructure Development

A cornerstone of these efforts is the Clean Truck Fund, established by both ports to finance the transition to zero-emissions drayage trucks. The fund is supported by a rate charged on loaded containers entering or leaving the ports.

Since its implementation in April 2022, the rate has generated substantial revenue, with the Port of Los Angeles collecting about $78 million and the Port of Long Beach collecting nearly $75 million through March 2024.

“With more than 23,000 trucks working the harbor, the investment potential provided by the Clean Truck Fund rate is a key to our air quality efforts,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero in a press release.

Much of this funding is directed towards expanding electric truck charging infrastructure. The ports recently announced a $25 million investment in a partnership with “regional air quality agencies” to bolster charging infrastructure in Southern California.

This initiative, advised by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, will install up to 207 charging units across eight strategic locations, including Wilmington, Rancho Dominguez, Rialto, Fontana, Commerce, and the Port of Long Beach. The South Coast Air Quality Management District will administer the project’s contracting.

Long Beach Invests in Green Infrastructure

The Port of Long Beach has unveiled a robust $760 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget prioritizes infrastructure development, focusing on rail projects and zero-emissions technology. This represents a significant 19% increase from the previous year’s capital budget.

The estimated operating revenue is 6.8% higher than last year’s budget. A substantial portion of this budget, $204.9 million, has been reserved for the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, slated to commence construction this summer.

This project aims to shift a larger share of cargo transportation to on-dock rail, thereby minimizing truck traffic and its associated environmental impact.

Ports Promote Electric Truck Adoption

In addition to funding charging stations, the Port of Los Angeles is actively encouraging the adoption of zero-emissions trucks by partnering with the state of California to offer vouchers worth up to $250,000 to businesses purchasing zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks.

“We’re investing with our Clean Truck Fund to get both zero-emission (ZE) trucks and infrastructure on the street as quickly as possible,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka in a press release.

However, the transition to a fully electric truck fleet faces challenges, including the high upfront costs of electric trucks compared to their diesel counterparts, a concern frequently raised by independent truck owner-operators.

Zero-Emissions Technology Extends Beyond Trucks

The push for zero-emissions technology extends beyond drayage trucks. The Port of Los Angeles recently celebrated a significant milestone by deploying the nation’s first commercially available battery-powered electric cargo top handlers at Yusen Terminals.

These electric top handlers, responsible for loading and unloading containers onto trucks and trains, replace their diesel-powered predecessors, significantly reducing emissions.

In 2019, the Port of Los Angeles started testing electric cargo top handler prototypes, making it the first port in the world to use this technology. These new top handlers can run two shifts under normal work cycles and be fully recharged in five hours.

The Port of Los Angeles currently operates 215 diesel top handlers, representing approximately 30% of all emissions from cargo-handling equipment. The successful adoption of electric top handlers marks a critical step towards achieving the port’s sustainability targets.

Community Engagement Remains a Priority

The Port of Long Beach has also increased funding for its Community Sponsorship Program from $2 million to $3 million. This program aims to foster stronger ties with the local community by providing information about port operations and initiatives.

Part of their project includes:

• Engaging with the local community through educational programs that help students find jobs
• Providing homeless food and clothing support
• Engaging in environmental partnerships such as with the Aquarium of the Pacific
• Collaborating with community environmental organizations.

Regulatory Delays Pose Challenges

Despite these positive developments, the ports face challenges in meeting their zero-emissions targets.

The delayed implementation of California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule due to the lack of a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allowed trucking companies to continue registering new diesel trucks.

This delay has resulted in over 1,000 new diesel-powered cargo trucks operating for the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports since the beginning of the year, potentially delaying the transition to zero-emissions technology.

Seven additional clean air policies are awaiting approval from the Biden administration. These policies aim to reduce emissions for vehicles and equipment, including trucks, boats, trains, construction machinery and lawn equipment.