Targeting Greenhouse Gases
The Port is proud of its aggressive strategies that are reducing greenhouse gases from port-related sources to meet and exceed local and state clean air goals and its leadership in international efforts to combat global warming.
Measuring Greenhouse Gas Reductions
The Port of Los Angeles is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port-related sources. The Port measures its GHG reduction progress every year, reviews ongoing programs and seeks opportunities to develop and incorporate new emission reduction strategies into its comprehensive clean air programs. The benefits of these targeted actions include:
- Advancing a sustainable future
- Achieving California’s 2020 GHG reduction milestone 7 years early
- Combating global warming
Paving the Way for A Sustainable, Low-Carbon Future
Greenhouse gases (GHG) trap heat and lead to atmospheric global warming. Scientists overwhelmingly agree the adverse impacts have led to higher temperatures worldwide, reduced snowpack levels, rising sea levels, greater weather fluctuations, and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme events such as hurricanes, heat waves and droughts. Under Assembly Bill 32, the California Legislature found, “Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of California.” Actions that reduce GHG emissions pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future in California and around the world.
Achieving Early Success in Meeting Near-term Goals and Making Progress toward Long-term Objectives
AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was the nation’s first program to address climate change by setting goals for reducing GHG emissions. The law requires a statewide return to 1990 GHG levels by 2020 and an 80% reduction of GHG based on 1990 levels by 2050. Additionally, the City of Los Angeles has set a 2035 goal of reducing GHG emissions 35 percent below 1990 levels. Due to its aggressive clean air strategies, the Port met the state’s 2020 target seven years ahead of schedule and is at the forefront of achieving midterm and long-term goals for drastically reducing GHG emissions.
Clean Air Strategies Targeting GHG Emissions
The Port’s comprehensive clean air strategies include 23 measures and energy efficiency programs that target GHG emissions. These initiatives tackle GHG emissions from all Port-owned vehicles, equipment and vessels, and they incorporate energy conservation and increasing use of renewable sources and alternative fuels such as solar and natural gas to power Port-owned buildings and operations. The strategies are fully integrated into Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) measures, zero emission projects and other collaborative initiatives, such as the Green Omni Terminal Demonstration Project.
Combating Global Warming through Global Leadership and Innovation
The Port of Los Angeles shares its expertise with ports worldwide. These activities include partnering with specific ports, such as the Port of Shanghai on shore power projects, and participating in larger environmental initiatives in Asia and other regions. The Port of Los Angeles is also a founding member of the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) created by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). The Port led the team that developed a free online carbon calculator for ports to measure and track their carbon footprint so they can develop GHG emission reduction strategies that meet their regional and operational needs. The Port also played a leadership role in creating WPCI’s Environmental Ship Index, international shore power protocols and guidelines for ports on the use of liquefied natural gas to fuel ships and related technical, infrastructure and safety considerations.
- Actions to Reduce Green Gas Emissions by 2050 (September 2014 PoLA report)
- Sustainability Report (2013-2014)
- California Air Resources Board, AB 32 Overview
- City of Los Angeles Sustainability Plan
- PoLA’s Energy Action Management Plan (E-MAP document)
- IAPH World Ports Climate Initiative
- Clean Air Action Plan