Over 200 national, statewide, regional, and local businesses, organized labor, agricultural, and other organizations sent a letter to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in opposition of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) adoption of an indirect source rule (ISR) for seaports at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The proposed Port ISR would result in capping cargo at the ports, negatively impacting port jobs and the regional economy.
“There is broad agreement that it would be more effective and productive to forego an ISR and instead focus on an infrastructure program to support current and future needs related to zero-emissions infrastructure and equipment,” says Thomas Jelenić, VP, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. “The infrastructure alternative is a ‘win-win’ scenario that preserves jobs, the regional economy, and state and local tax revenues while also assuring the development of the infrastructure and equipment necessary to achieve emission reductions.”
“We are extremely proud of the environmental progress that has been made and remain fully committed to reducing emissions and enhancing air quality as we are often the ones most impacted,” adds Gary Herrera, president, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13. “But it is also essential that any regulatory efforts be balanced between improving the environment while also protecting the economy and workers at the ports who play a key role in supporting local communities. A Port ISR would impose excessive burdens that disrupt operations, divert cargo, and decimate our jobs and jobs throughout Southern California and beyond. We support practical solutions that support zero-emission infrastructure and equipment without jeopardizing tens of thousands of jobs that rely on the success of our ports.”
Key takeaways:
- The letter requests that Mayors Bass and Richardson take a leadership role in developing a comprehensive plan to build the infrastructure necessary to support current and future needs related to zero-emission infrastructure and equipment at the ports and Southern California’s intermodal supply chain.
- Without necessary infrastructure, the proposed Port ISR would result in a cap on cargo volumes and ultimately punish ports, marine terminal operators, and supply chain workers who have already worked hard to reduce diesel pollution by 90%. Caps on cargo will significantly impact the ports’ economic viability, limit industry's ability to fund investments in zero-emission infrastructure and equipment needed for further emissions reductions, and dramatically impact jobs throughout Southern California and beyond.
- The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beah support 3.1 million jobs and generate $19.93 billion in labor income.