Go local every time

At a time that “the Feds” feature on “Nightly News” regarding the tragic oil spill off the Louisiana coast, it’s worth looking at roles. More colloquially, is this my job, or theirs (with “they” never completely identified)? Related questions concern what is required, and what is optional.

In Los Angeles and Long Beach, the “Clean Truck Program”, launched a little over a year ago, has been a success. As always, the precise metrics for success are highly nuanced, but bottom line, it has worked with reduced diesel emissions as older trucks have been retired.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and a true recognition of success; ports clear across the country, including New York/New Jersey (the toughest state to gain applause), have emulated the plan.

Sensible local mandates have all happened without prodding from the Federal government, Readers will note that I am not a big fan of bureaucracy – local interests, closer to the ground, tend to do things better. Federal bureaucrats, if you are reading this, please back off on things that can be solved locally, where rules do not exist at the national level.

In contrast, US Federal rules stemming from initiatives on the international stage will constitutionally take precedence over local measures. Port interests will need to keep a “weather eye” on the bigger picture. The Climate Change Bill will eventually get passed, in spite of the present blustering from both sides of the aisle. Ports need to get way ahead of what will be agreed on a worldwide scale – greenhouse gasses (carbon, rather than particulates) are next on the agenda. Regulatory fallout from the oil spill is unpredictable, but will likely bring new Federal regulations that may impact ports.

Many US ports have begun examining their operations, with an eye on sustainability and reduced emissions. With the world waiting for the US version of the Climate Change bill, such steps will be mandatory rather than optional.