LA’s zero emissions plan

For the short term it said it intends to keep up its collaborative activities with the Port of Long Beach and work closely with regional and state agencies and industry partners when it comes to putting in place zero emission technologies.

But one primary new focus area will be the transition of cargo handling equipment to zero emissions beginning with terminal tractors, as well as a coordinated effort for voluntary demonstrations with a small number of short-haul drayage vessels.

The port intends to facilitate both objectives by federal, state and regional government incentive funding. Over a five year period it aims to secure a minimum of US$20m annually to directly implement these objectives – a total of $100m over five years. At the end of the five years the plan is to have 200 zero emission vehicles in operation at the port.

The other aim is to purchase up to 40 heavy-duty zero emission vehicles each year together with supporting infrastructure, meaning that participating operators will have no upfront costs.

Also under the five-year plan, the harbour development board will work with industry partners and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive infrastructure plan to prepare the port for the future deployment of these trucks with a particular focus on charging and refuelling needs.

It is also currently drafting zero/near zero emission truck testing and demonstration guidelines to help with the effort.