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Initiative will promote innovation, efficiency and conservation
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has this week unanimously approved a new energy policy in a bid to secure a more sustainable and resilient supply of power as demand continues to grow at the Californian port.
The Long Beach Energy Policy will seek to implement measures to increase efficiency, conservation, resiliency, and renewable energy in collaboration with port tenants, utilities, other city departments, industry stakeholders, labour unions, and the neighbouring Port of Los Angeles.
“When we look at our future energy demands due to shore power, zero-emissions programs and more, it’s imperative that we increase our energy security,” said Harbor Commissioner Rich Dines, chair of the Commission’s energy subcommittee.
“This Energy Policy will guide the creation of an energy program that will improve the environment and business continuity at the Port.”
The program will also look at improving ways to keep the port operating in the event of a crisis that could impact the flow of electricity to the port.
In 2005, the Harbor Commission adopted the “Green Port Policy,” which set down the tenets that have guided the port’s sweeping environmental programs such as the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, a joint agreement between the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles to improve air quality.
In the coming years, air quality efforts will continue to fuel demand for electricity at the port, as will the introduction of cutting-edge marine terminal equipment that runs on electricity and not diesel fuel.
