Pier T Gate (Image: Port of Long Beach)
The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have released their draft 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) update, addressing plans to reduce emissions from all sources that move cargo throughout the ports. The California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (CNGVC) and SoCalGas say today’s heavy duty natural gas vehicle technology and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is an immediate solution.
CNGVC Comments
“The draft CAAP released today is the starting point for finalizing the measures to reduce pollution from the ports that will shape our region for the next 10 years. Staff has worked diligently to develop the draft CAAP and we recognize their efforts”, says an CNGVC spokesperson.
“At the same time, the draft CAAP can be strengthened with earlier measures that accomplish immediate reductions of air pollution and greenhouse gases from heavy duty trucks. These reductions can be achieved with accelerated deployment of low NOx trucks powered by renewable natural gas (RNG) that reduce air pollutants by over 90% and greenhouse gasses by over 70%.
“This technology is available today and can be used to completely upgrade the port truck fleet by 2023 as called for in the Advanced Clean Trucks Now (ACT Now) Plan at www.ACTNowLA.org. Waiting for an unproven, expensive technology will only prolong the damage being done to our air by the tens of thousands of diesel trucks moving in and around the ports every day.
“The call to deploy all clean trucks by 2023 is voiced by Mayor Garcetti’s Sustainable Freight Advisory Committee and we encourage the ports to adopt this plan as quickly as possible. The health of our communities and our planet can’t wait.”
SoCalGas Comments
“SoCalGas applauds the Commissioners of the San Pedro Bay Ports and Mayors Garcetti and Garcia for leading the charge to deliver cleaner air to communities across Southern California,” says SoCalGas Vice President for Customer Solutions, Lisa Alexander.
“By including near-zero emission trucks fueled by renewable natural gas in the Clean Air Action Plan, the ports showed their commitment to making immediate improvements in air quality and public health.”
CNGVC
The California NGV Coalition is an association of natural gas vehicle and engine manufacturers, utilities, fuel providers and fleet operators serving the state. Its members are united in the belief that wider adoption of clean-running NGVs—a proven technology in use worldwide—is key to helping California reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and petroleum dependence.
SoCalGas
As the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, SoCalGas delivers clean, safe and reliable energy to 21.6 million consumers through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. It’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.
Source: California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition
