The executive directors of the ports of Oakland and Long Beach have called for the US government to continue their support of maritime clean air efforts and infrastructure developments.
Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero and Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle made the address to an audience of 100 at a Pacific Trade Association gathering in Oakland.
The directors both called for government aid and policy direction, stating that both are imperative for the industry to digest global trade growth whilst simultaneously controlling and reducing diesel emissions from freight transport.
Lytle, who was previously Long Beach’s executive director before moving to Oakland, commented: “In California, we have the cleanest ports in the world.
“But we could use help if we’re going to do more.”
Former Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Mr. Cordero, added: “We’ll be as successful as government support allows us to be.”
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Speaking at a panel discussion for trade and transport executives, the two directors expressed gratitude for previous government grants that have supported their clean air initiatives.
Long Beach has reported a reduction in diesel particulate emissions of 88% in the past decade, while Oakland has reported a 76% reduction.
However, Lytle has called for further aid for such initiatives, stating that nationwide clean air regulations would be necessary to bring ports across the US up to California’s standards.
Cordero also commented that the US needs a national freight policy to make port infrastructure a government priority.
The port of Oakland has recently invested in major infrastructure developments to optimize road and rail transport links at the port, which has been funded by the Alameda County Transportation Commission with a $500 million investment.
Commenting on the funding, Lytle said: “We can’t afford to do this ourselves.
“We rely on government to help and in this case, they’ve really stepped up.”
