Ports of LA and Long Beach fast-track zero-emission tech rollout

A newly approved pact aims to accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission technology and supporting infrastructure at both ports.

IMAGE: The San Pedro Bay Port Complex, US. Port of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a cooperative agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to cut emissions across all major port operations.

This includes cargo-handling equipment, harbor craft, drayage trucks, trains, and ocean-going vessels.

Alongside this agreement, both ports said they continue to work with the South Coast AQMD on adding new Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) measures, targeting emissions from ocean-going vessels, which is the single largest source of pollution at the San Pedro Bay complex.

The AQMD Board is expected to review these proposed “CAAP-Plus” measures in spring 2026.

The cooperative agreement, which was approved earlier this month by both the South Coast AQMD and the Port of Long Beach, requires the ports to develop detailed zero-emission infrastructure plans in three phases, beginning with a draft roadmap due in May 2027.

Final approved plans for all emission categories must be completed by the end of 2029.

"Continuing a decade of inaction on this issue is simply not an option, and I am grateful to everyone who participated in the conversation to move this zero-emission legislation forward," said Los Angeles City Council member and South Coast AQMD Board Member Nithya Raman.

To ensure accountability, the South Coast AQMD will verify port progress through annual reports and regular updates to its Governing Board.

Penalties for non-compliance range from $50,000 to $200,000 per violation, with collected fees directed toward projects benefiting communities near the ports.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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