Comprehensive Leasing Policy at the Port of Los Angeles Sets New Standards for Transparency and Environmental Requirements at the Nation's Largest Port.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners Wednesday approved a comprehensive Leasing Policy for the Port of Los Angeles that not only establishes a formalized, transparent process for tenant selection, but also includes environmental requirements as a provision in Port leases.

Specific emission-reducing provisions contained in the Leasing Policy are:

--Compliance with vessel speed reduction programs;

--Use of clean Alternative Maritime Power ("AMP" or cold-ironing technology), plugging into shore-side electric power while at dock, where appropriate;

--Low sulfur fuel use in main and auxiliary engines while sailing within the boundaries of the South Coast Air Basin;

--Use of alternative fuel in all new yard tractors; and

--Clean, "low emission" truck and locomotive use within terminal facilities.

"We're making history here," said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, PhD. "With the Board's adoption of this Leasing Policy, we're not only demonstrating our commitment to a formalized process for tenant selection, we're incorporating several guiding standards for the air quality measures the Port of Los Angeles will require in future lease negotiations."

"This is a living document that spells out our policies and practices as a landlord port, and the environmental expectations we will bring to the negotiating table," added Commission President S. David Freeman. "The policy combines the needs for growing the Port while reducing pollution, which under Mayor Villaraigosa's leadership is bringing together the shipping industry, environmentalists and consumer groups in a focused effort to make the Port of Los Angeles the greenest rapidly growing port in the world."

A 2003 audit of Port leasing practices by Los Angeles City Controller Laura N. Chick recommended that the Port establish a comprehensive Leasing Policy to clearly demonstrate how and why business decisions are made. The Leasing Policy adopted Wednesday addresses these issues and came to the Harbor Commission with a letter of support from the Controller.

Provisions of the Leasing Policy, particularly ones pertaining to environmental programs, will be addressed not only at the creation of leases, but during the regular review periods of all leases, typically every two to five years.

The full text of Port of Los Angeles Leasing Policy can found on the Port's website at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/.

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 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion 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 - A cleaner port. A brighter future.