Record reduction in harmful emissions for LA

The diesel particulate matter (DPM) has dropped an exceptional 85%, while sulphur oxides (SOx) has plummeted 97% since 2005.

“Our aggressive clean air program at the Port shows that we can grow our economy while reducing pollutants up to 97%. The business of moving cargo through America’s number one container port is cleaner than ever, this improves the quality of life for families across Southern California,” said Eric Garcetti, the Mayor of Los Angeles.

He added: “Our efforts to make LA the most sustainable city in America have taken another step forward.”

The findings were released in the port’s 2014 Inventory of Air Emissions report from its tenth consecutive year of tracking air pollution. It measures the emissions of key pollutants from ships, trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment and small harbour craft.

Port executive director, Gene Seroka, said: “With the ongoing investments in clean technology made by the Los Angeles Harbour Department, our customers and supply chain stakeholders, we are committed to forging ahead with measures to protect these gains and continue to reduce emissions further.”

In 2014 the port moved its highest container volume in seven years and facilitated US$290bn in trade. The port provides more than 148,000 jobs in the city of LA and one job for every 16 people in the Southern California region.