``No Net Increase''/Air Quality Task Force Delivers Its Final Report to Mayor James K. Hahn and 15th District Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Panel Developed Groundbreaking Road-Map for Reducing and Controlling Port of Los Angeles-Related Air Emissions Through 2025

After nine months of groundbreaking analysis, the "No Net Increase" Air Quality Task Force, assembled at the direction of Mayor James Hahn and 15th District Councilwoman Janice Hahn, delivered its "No Net Increase" Air Quality plan for returning and holding Port of Los Angeles-related air emissions to 2001 levels. The report can be viewed at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/environment_studies.htm.

The 603-page report identifies 68 control measures that could be pursued over the next 20 years as part of a massive effort to control port-related air emissions from the ships, harbor craft, rail operations, cargo terminal equipment and trucks that operate in the Port and throughout the region, which is a major Pacific trade gateway and one of the nation's most critical goods movement corridors.

"Reviewing this report, I have a great sense of accomplishment," said Mayor Jim Hahn. "No other Port in the world has put this much collaborative effort and energy into seeking ways to reduce the air emissions associated with its operations. This is truly a breakthrough document. My No Net Increase policy will leave the Port communities, and the entire Los Angeles region, breathing easier -- a legacy I am very proud of."

"This Task Force has made some great recommendations. In order to make sure that these initiatives are implemented, I would like to see the Task Force remain in place with a new mandate to continue its work," said Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "While some may view these recommendations as the end of the work, I see it as the beginning. Now, we need to find ways to fund these initiatives and really improve our air quality. We must make these recommendations a reality for the health of the people that live and work in San Pedro and Wilmington."

"We've invented the wheel here on a systematic plan to reduce air emissions," said Thomas Warren, harbor commissioner and task force co-chair. "Other ports around the world can now follow our lead and take advantage of the information and technologies we've uncovered throughout the process of creating the No Net Increase Report."

"Mayor Hahn asked this task force to create something never before attempted -- a plan of action that will lead to improved air emissions at the port. And not just any port -- the nation's busiest port," said Harbor Commission President Nicholas Tonsich. "I think what this group learned was that there are no shortcuts -- it will take years of hard work, strategic planning and legislative support to accomplish Mayor Hahn's goal. But we have created the road map for doing it."

A Pioneering Effort

The task force included environmental organizations and representatives of the maritime industry, railroads, labor unions, the community, as well as representatives from the Port of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The task force and technical, legal and financial working groups within the task force devoted thousands of hours to create a plan that factored the impact, costs and implementation strategies related to reducing and controlling dozens of common port-related air pollution sources. Cleaner air goals will be achieved through a variety of regulatory mandates over the coming years, the deployment of new technology, the pursuit of innovative programs like the Port's AMP (Alternative Maritime Power) program (link to http://www.portofla.org/environment_aqp.htm), and Port-industry investment in initiatives that will accelerate the transition to more environmentally friendly operational measures.

Air Quality Measures Already Underway

The Port of Los Angeles is already pursuing a number of the "near term" pollution reduction measures included in the report as part of its $17+ million 2005/2006 air quality program. These measures focus on converting all in-port terminal equipment and harbor craft to cleaner emissions technology through a combination of cleaner-burning fuels, exhaust retrofits on existing equipment, or the purchase of new equipment with higher air quality standards.

Between 2004 and 2008, the Port is spending more than $50 million to pursue these immediate measures and other efforts that include underwriting the cost of new in-port switching locomotives and subsidizing the purchase of hundreds of cleaner-burning diesel trucks driven by operators who make as many as 700 trips to and from the Port each year.

In terms of other initiatives outlined in the multi-billion dollar No Net Increase Report, the Port stands ready to discuss implementation strategies with Mayor Hahn, Mayor-elect Villaraigosa and the Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading container port in the nation and a critical hub in the international supply chain, the Port generates thousands of stable jobs and billions of dollars in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles also places a high priority on responsible growth initiatives combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. The Port of Los Angeles is a proprietary, self-supported department of the City of Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles. . . Anchoring a bright future.