Oakland to revamp its clean air roadmap

Oakland’s updated Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan will address two key objectives, to extend the port’s long run of success in reducing diesel particulate matter emissions and develop a greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy.

“Over nearly a decade, we’ve made significant progress in curbing emissions, improving air quality and protecting the community’s health,” said Richard Sinkoff, the port’s director of environmental programs and planning.

The port said diesel emissions have fallen 76% since Oakland adopted its influential air quality plan eight years ago. Truck emissions are down 98% while vessel emissions are off 76%. Diesel emissions have been shown to have a significant impact on public health.

Step further

The new plan can further curb emissions by emphasising emerging technology, the port said. Examples could include zero-and-near zero-emissions cargo handling equipment. The port said government grants could help in the quest to identify useful technology.

Oakland’s air quality task force will include transportation officials, civic leaders, community activists and environmental experts. They’ll be expected to produce a document for Port Commissioners to vote on in the third quarter of 2018.

The plan should have added significance because the state of California is developing its own rules for freight transport. Those rules are expected to severely limit emissions from trucks and ships. Port officials have said they intend to align Oakland policies with the state’s.