PORT OF LOS ANGELES APPOINTS CHRISTOPHER CANNON AS DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Chris CannonSAN PEDRO, Calif. — October 19, 2010 — The Port of Los Angeles has appointed Christopher Cannon as its new Director of Environmental Management. Cannon has worked at the Port for several years as a consultant, most recently helping to manage the implementation and daily operation of the highly successful Clean Truck Program. Cannon replaces Ralph Appy, who retired earlier this year. 

“Chris’ strong background in environmental regulations, managing multi-jurisdictional environmental review and technical permitting projects – coupled with his legal background and experience with regulatory agencies and public officials -- make him an outstanding choice to lead the Environmental Management Division into the future,” said Deputy Executive Director of Development Mike Christensen. 

In his new role, Cannon will be responsible for balancing commerce and growth with ecological sustainability at the nation’s busiest container port. The division assesses environmental impacts of development projects and determines appropriate mitigation measures. It also prepares and distributes any environmental documentation  mandated by state  and federal  law; special studies involving dredging, noise abatement, water quality and air quality; contamination characterizations; wildlife management; and establishment of policies regarding environmental quality issues.

Before his work on the Clean Truck Program, Cannon worked with the Port Environmental Management Division’s Air Quality and CEQA groups, supporting the development of key air projects such as the Clean Air Action Plan and its efforts to complete critical environmental impact reports for Port-related projects. Cannon has 21 years of experience in the environmental services industry, working on a range of projects while employed by ENVIRON International Corporation and TRC Environmental Solutions. Cannon also spent two years as a legislative assistant for environmental policy on the Washington, D.C. staff of U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo of Minnesota.   

Cannon is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received a law degree from University of California at Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves.  As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port.  A brighter future.