CLEAN AIR PROGRESS AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES
2022 Inventory Shows Emissions Decline from All Sources
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Sept. 7, 2023 – The Port of Los Angeles made significant clear air progress in 2022 compared with the previous year, according to the Port’s new Inventory of Air Emissions. Released today, the report shows emissions for calendar year 2022 are down from all port-related sources due to both a reduction in ships at anchor and the Port’s ongoing environmental initiatives.
“The latest results are positive for our communities impacted by the Port's emissions,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "It is encouraging to see the Port and its partners are back on track with reducing emissions associated with the movement of goods. There is still work to be done to ensure we continue to make accelerated progress towards our clean air goals and I look forward to continuing the work with our community stakeholders to deliver on our promise of a zero-emission port.”
“Regional, state and federal air regulatory agencies review these findings every year prior to their release,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard. “This process validates our progress and helps shape how we move forward to reach our ultimate goal of zero emissions.”
“While we have much work ahead, the year-over-year clean air gains show what we can do when we collaborate with our industry partners to tackle unprecedented challenges like reducing ships at anchor,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “At the same time, our longstanding initiatives such as the continued turnover of vessels, locomotives, drayage trucks and terminal equipment to newer, cleaner models and our dedicated pursuit of operational efficiencies continue to advance our march toward zero.”
During 2022, emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) declined 31%, 34% and 47% respectively, compared with the previous year. Emissions increased in 2021 due to the pandemic-induced cargo surge that strained the nation’s supply chain.
During 2022, emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) declined 31%, 34% and 47% respectively, compared with the previous year. Emissions increased in 2021 due to the pandemic-induced cargo surge that strained the nation’s supply chain.
Likewise, the 2022 findings reflect the long-term progress the Port has made in cutting DPM, NOx and SOx emissions, which are down 88%, 62% and 97% respectively since 2005. The results mirror the Port’s best years for reducing ground-level pollution since the baseline year.
The latest data also show the Port remains ahead of its 2023 targets for reducing emissions of DPM by 77%, NOx by 59% and SOx by 93%. The Port first met the DPM goal in 2012 and surpassed all three targets by 2017. Over the years, the gains have held with only one exception when NOx emissions increased in 2021.
The Port continues to exceed its 2020 goal of reducing health risk from port-related operations by 85%, which it first met in 2014.
The annual report tracks yearly and long-term outcomes of Port strategies for reducing pollution from ships, trucks, locomotives, harbor craft and cargo-handling equipment.
The 2022 data show emissions from ships at anchorage fell 75% compared with the previous year. Due to the unprecedented increase in vessel calls in 2021, ships at anchor became one of the most visible signs of record cargo volumes and supply chain disruptions that made that year an outlier.
Fewer ships delivering more cargo is among the efficiency measures helping to lower emissions. As a result of the larger vessels calling today, containership arrivals have dropped 41% while container volume has grown 32% since 2005.
The 2022 report shows the Port made progress in reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs), down 22% compared with the previous year and 4% since 2005. Still, cutting GHGs remains a significant challenge. Progress hinges on further breakthroughs in operational efficiency, innovation and technology. To reduce GHGs from ships, the Port is collaborating with its trans-Pacific partners, including some of the world’s busiest ports in Asia, to decarbonize vessels and establish green shipping corridors.
The Port continues to pursue strategies aimed at eliminating the remaining emissions of DPM, NOx and SOx and reducing GHG emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
The Port continues to pursue strategies aimed at eliminating the remaining emissions of DPM, NOx and SOx and reducing GHG emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Key measures for reaching these goals include transitioning all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions by 2030 and all drayage trucks calling at marine terminals to zero emissions by 2035. To speed up the transition, the Port is offering incentives to put more zero-emissions trucks in service and investing in charging and clean-fueling infrastructure.
The Port also continues to lead or participate in large-scale demonstrations with terminals, trucking companies and shipping lines to develop and deploy more near-zero and zero-emission solutions.
The Port’s original goals and strategies were established in the 2006 San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. The document’s 2010 and 2017 updates incorporate additional measures and targets for eliminating harmful air emissions from all port-related sources.