Port of Los Angeles Carl Moyer Air Quality Program Established.

Business Editors

SAN PEDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2001

The Port of Los Angeles' leadership and commitment to helping improve the air quality in the Los Angeles basin was further evidenced Wednesday with the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioner's approval of the Port of Los Angeles Carl Moyer Air Quality Standards Attainment Assistance Program.

The Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously authorized the Port of Los Angeles to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to administer the Carl Moyer Program for port-related activities. The Port will provide funds that will be matched by the SCAQMD to provide incentive funds for reduction of diesel particulate and smog-forming emissions. The funds will be used in full compliance with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code (S44725) and the most recent guidance from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the SCAQMD.

Port Executive Director Larry Keller stated, "This establishment of the Port of Los Angeles Carl Moyer Program is an tremendous opportunity for the Port to lead by example in improving the air quality in the Los Angeles basin, to the benefit of those who live and work in the surrounding communities."

The Port's Carl Moyer Assistance Program will fund the incremental cost of marine and transportation industry projects to reduce NOx and particulate emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines operating in and around the Port. In addition, the Port will provide support for administrative efforts of the SCAQMD and will provide a single source for marine industry participation in the program.

The Port will also provide assistance in public outreach, application assistance and proposal evaluation, and make recommendations on project selection, monitoring and report on the use of the Port's Carl Moyer Program.

The Port will provide staff resources and approximately $300,000 for the funding of heavy-duty emission-reduction projects within the Port jurisdiction. The Port of Los Angeles Carl Moyer Program will use the $316,410 generated by the sale of excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) RECLAIM credits in addition to South Coast Air Quality Management District Carl Moyer (SCAQMD) funds, to pay the incremental costs of maritime community heavy-duty diesel emission reduction projects.

Since its inception in 1998, the Port has aggressively supported the SCAQMD's Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program.

In January 1999, the Port adopted its Clean Engine and Fuel Program to assist the maritime community in the potential application of clean engine and fuel technologies. Since then, the Port has recorded considerable success with:

-- Conversion of 25% of its vehicle fleet to electric or compressed natural gas
(CNG) powered cars and trucks;

-- Installation of compressed natural gas stations;

-- Purchase of a CNG-powered street sweeper for maintenance operations;

-- Conversion of a tugboat to low-emissions diesel in a pioneering cooperative
effort with the SCAQMD, EPA, Connolly Pacific and Valley Detroit Allison;

-- Implemented an outreach program to assist customers with the transition of
converting heavy-diesel to alternative fuels;

-- Constructed modern, efficient terminals, navigation channels and rail
facilities, which will result in reduced air emissions;

-- Led an industrywide "first-of-its-kind," voluntary Commercial Cargo Ship
Speed Reduction Program which will begin May 1, 2001, and is expected to reduce
emissions by approximately three tons of smog-forming emissions per year;

-- Assisted the SCAQMD and CARB in the development of an air emissions
inventory for vessels operating in the region; and

-- Supports the United States government in ratification of environmental
standards for large cargo ships by the International Maritime Organizations of
the United Nations to require new ships to install engines that comply with the
new standard.

Keller explained: "Each part of our Clean Engine and Fuel Program contributes to an overall effort toward responsible, commercially viable emissions reduction. For example, the on-dock rail facility at Global Gateway South eliminated 355,000 truck trips a year with significant reductions in air emissions. That, combined with $200 million in grade separations, results in huge improvements to our environment by eliminating truck idling in the Harbor area."

The Port of Los Angeles has made tremendous advancements to promote quality-of-life initiatives through its Clean Engine Air and Fuel Program and will pursue additional opportunities through incentive funding for Port and customer projects that reduce air emissions in and around the Harbor.