Transportation

USDOT Announces More Than $660 Million Available Through the Port Infrastructure Development Program

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making available more than $662 million in Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding for MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

The PIDP investment will modernize nation’s ports and help strengthen supply chains for generations to come, helping to reduce shipping time, costs, and ultimately the costs of goods for the American people. The President’s infrastructure package provides $450 million annually in funding for the Program.

“America’s ports play a central role in our supply chains,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With today’s announcement, we are helping make our ports safer, more efficient, and more reliable—strengthening supply chains, reducing costs for the American people, and positioning us for economic success.”

MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program discretionary grants help eligible applicants including port authorities, states, local governments, indigenous Tribal nations, counties, and other eligible entities complete critical port and port-related infrastructure projects. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports. MARAD will also consider how projects address climate change and sustainability, equity, and workforce development objectives.

“This funding will support efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the Nation’s freight transportation needs and ensure our port infrastructure can support future growth,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “The program also includes a statutory set-aside for small ports to continue to improve and expand their capacity to move freight reliably and efficiently, support local and regional economies, and support supply chain improvement.”

Recent projects funded include installation of fast charging stations and other port electrification components and the development of a scalable plan for transitioning the port and local maritime industry to zero-emission technologies in Jacksonville, Florida; the creation of an intermodal rail yard near an existing port terminal in Kaskaskia, Illinois; and the modernization of electric and stormwater infrastructure and warehouse capacity for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority in Cleveland, Ohio.

In the coming weeks, the Federal Highway Administration will open FY 2022-2023 grant applications for the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities program, which will make $160 million available to test, evaluate, and deploy projects that reduce port-related emissions from idling trucks, including through the advancement of port electrification and improvements in efficiency.

MARAD will host a series of webinars that describe PIDP NOFO requirements and the PIDP application process. These webinars are an excellent resource for prospective PIDP applicants. The webinars will be announced in the near future on the PIDP webpage. Recordings of the webinars will be posted on the website for those that cannot participate in the live webinars.

President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PAC-AAPI) Convenes Inaugural Open Meeting and Virtual Listening Session

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WASHINGTON – On May 20th, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders convened its Inaugural Open Meeting with all fourteen (14) Commissioners in attendance. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, Co-Chairs of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, provided welcoming remarks at the meeting, which commenced with the official swearing-in ceremony of Commissioner Helen Van Etten of Kansas.

The Commission is tasked by President Trump’s Executive Order to provide advice to the President, through the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Transportation, on how to broaden access by Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employers and communities to economic resources and opportunities.

“We appreciate your advocacy for the more than 1.9 million AAPI-owned businesses, and for the 22 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, many of whom have been so adversely impacted by the pandemic,” said Secretary Wilbur Ross in his welcome remarks. “Your work on their behalf is more important than ever before. Secretary Chao and I look forward to your advising us and President Trump on how best the U.S. government can serve this vibrant and growing American community.”

Secretary Elaine L. Chao highlighted the four areas that both the Commission and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are focused on: Passing the Torch, Breaking the Glass Ceiling, Bridging the Income Gap, and AAPI Women in Leadership. In highlighting the ways the AAPI community can better take advantage of federal resources and opportunities, she shared: “Secretary Ross and I recently signed a letter to re-establish the White House Initiative Interagency Working Group. This group consists of representatives from throughout the federal government who will advise the Initiative on the implementation and coordination of Federal programs as they relate to Asian Pacific American access to economic resources and opportunities.”

Dr. Paul Hsu, Chair of the Commission, provided opening remarks and convened the meeting by addressing the task at hand: “President Trump has clearly outlined in his Executive Order that our mission is to improve the lives of all AAPIs and their communities, which will always be our guiding principle and our roadmap. That is exactly why we are here today.”

The President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders also convened its first virtual AAPI Business Town Hall with business owners, chambers of commerce and business associations on Tuesday, May 19th, a day prior to the open meeting. Chair of the Commission Dr. Paul Hsu and Commissioner Herman Martir facilitated this listening session hosted by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. About 200 AAPI business and community leaders participated with many of the Commissioners also in attendance.

As the Commission prepares its advisory reports, these town halls and listening sessions reflect the mission and importance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to our country. Many of the speakers provided insight on how the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has affected AAPI-owned businesses across different states and U.S. territories, including Guam and American Samoa. Town hall speakers represented 9 different states and U.S. territories, while audience participants hailed from 31 different states and territories. In response to concerns about harassment of AAPIs due to the virus, the Initiative and interagency working group are coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure active engagement with local communities on addressing these issues.  

These public forums also provided a platform for federal officials and trade groups to highlight resources and opportunities. At the AAPI Business Town Hall, the U.S. Census Bureau provided a presentation on the Small Business Pulse Survey, which asks small businesses to share the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak on their business. There was also an update on the ongoing 2020 Census, including the latest response rate, information about the extended window for response to the Census, highlights of the partnership and outreach campaign, and ideas about virtual ways that partners can support the Census in the upcoming months. The U.S. Census Bureau’s partnership program is working with more than 6,000 organizations across the country that serve Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Following the U.S. Census Bureau, the Small Business Roundtable, a coalition of leading small business and entrepreneurship organizations, presented a read out of their State of Small Business Report. This report will be the first of an ongoing series that tracks the activities of small businesses across the country.

Remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Paris Air Show Press Event at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

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Wilbur L.Ross, Introduced by Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the USA Partnership Pavilion.

Thank you, Tom, for that kind introduction, and thank you and your staff for all of the work you are doing to organize and promote U.S. participation at the Paris Air Show.

It is my pleasure to be here to discuss the U.S. government’s engagement in the Show. It will be the largest and most dramatic ever, as is reflected by the fact that our aerospace and space industries are more vibrant than they have ever been.

The U.S. has the largest and most competitive aerospace and outer-space industries, and that is why 350 American companies will attend this year’s show in Paris.

Our industry has a lot to show off. American companies produce the most innovative, highest quality, highest value-added products, sold wherever there are flying machines. The U.S. aerospace sector has the largest trade surplus of any other American manufacturing industry, at $88 billion last year. And, of total U.S. aerospace production last year of $215 billion, a very large portion of that output — $150 billion — or 70 percent, was exported. We are the largest exporter of aerospace equipment in the world.

We will have a strong contingent of Federal government officials attending the Paris Air Show, including myself. There will be representatives from the Department of Defense, the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army; the departments of State and Homeland Security; as well as the FAA, NASA, and the Export and Import Bank.

We look forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing, with the presence of three Apollo astronauts who were part of those missions: Walt Cunningham from Apollo 7; Charlie Duke from Apollo 16; And Col. Al Worden, the Command Module Pilot for the Apollo 15 lunar mission in 1971, from whom we will hear shortly. It is great to be in the presence of the pioneering individuals who circled and walked on the Moon.

Fifty years have gone by without our returning. Today, a majority of Americans — 211.6 million, or 65 percent — were born after 1969, and have no recollection of the Moon landing and the excitement it generated the world over. We need to change that; and we’re going to change it fast.

President Trump has directed that that we put astronauts back on the Moon by 2024, and this time it will not just be men, but also women. The key message we intend to deliver in Paris is that the U.S. aerospace industry is stronger than it’s ever been, and that partnerships are important in a world where there are alternative views about the future of space. Within the Trump administration and the Commerce Department, we see the future of space as overwhelmingly commercial. This is why we will meet later this month — on June 26th and 27th — at the Space Enterprise Summit, which I will co-host with Secretary Pompeo, in Washington, D.C.

There is a lot happening in the area of commercial space. NASA will be announcing new contracting opportunities tomorrow for the International Space Station. And, I understand that the National Reconnaissance Office has announced new contracts with the commercial remote sensing industry, with companies like Maxar Technologies, Planet, and BlackSky Global.

Last month, I signed a wide-ranging space MOU with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This MOU is indicative of the partnerships required to expand the space industry from its current level of $400 billion to $1 trillion. GPS, earth imaging, telecommunications, asteroid mining, manufacturing, space tourism, and exploration all depend on space safety, space situational awareness, and the safe operation of satellites.

Our Paris message is that all space-faring nations must work together on common issues, such as tracking the thousands of pieces of space debris that could stifle the commercialization of space.

Our country has experienced an incredible re-awaking of its commercial space industry. Today, thanks to the infusion of new blood, new thinking, and a youthful cadre of enthusiastic engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the U.S. space industry is being transformed.

In the tradition that has defined this industry since brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first to fly, a new generation of entrepreneurs now dominate the majority of space activity. For these companies to reach their potential, it is the U.S. government’s job to eliminate the regulatory barriers to growth.

We look forward to working with other countries at creating the conditions by which these industries can flourish.

I look forward to being in Paris to work with so many innovative companies, and meeting officials from other governments and their space agencies, to foster the technical, regulatory, and financial conditions for the global space economy to grow and prosper. Thank you.

Upcoming Event: Discover Global Markets

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Indo-Pacific
Opportunities at the Convergence of Aerospace + Defense + Security
Dec. 10-12, 2018 | Salt Lake City, UT

About Discover Global Markets

Discover Global Markets is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s flagship event series for U.S. exporters.

In just a few days, attendees will uncover new exporting opportunities, learn from seasoned exporters, and connect with hundreds of networking contacts.

Sign up for e-mail updates to learn about upcoming events in the Discover Global Markets series.

At Each Discover Global Markets Conference, you will:

  • Meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Diplomats visiting from abroad
  • Participate in panel discussions on the latest industry trends
  • Identify new and emerging markets of opportunity ahead of your competition
  • Learn about U.S. export programs designed to cut your time to market
  • Network with U.S. trade officials, leading private sector experts and like-minded U.S. businesses active in overseas markets

Commerce Pledges Support for Commercial Space Industry

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Coming on the heels of Secretary Ross’s announcement of a new initiative to support space commerce, space-focused professionals filled the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on March 12th – 15th for the satellite industry’s annual meeting.

On Monday, the industry heard from Secretary Ross about his plans for elevating space commerce functions within the department, a key objective in the Department of Commerce’s recently released strategic plan for 2018-2022.

NTIA Assistant Secretary David Redl addressed the convention on Wednesday, pledging his commitment to collaborating with the U.S. satellite industry – highlighting the importance of maintaining global leadership for satellite-based services and manufacturing. He told attendees that the United States needs a vibrant satellite sector, which directly supports tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs and indirectly enables millions more in the larger economy.

Fast-paced innovation in the satellite sector is paving the way for a new era in satellite coverage that will strengthen our nation’s broadband infrastructure and power advanced services to improve people’s lives. “The Commerce Department is invested in the health and success of all aspects of the satellite sector, from spacecraft design and manufacturing to earth-station equipment standards and manufacturing,” said Assistant Secretary Redl.

Let’s invest in U.S. future – Transportation Secretary Chao

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President Donald Trump has announced a bold, innovative plan for improving and investing in America’s infrastructure. The proposal is the culmination of a year-long effort between Cabinet agencies, including the Department of Transportation, with significant input from state, local, and private sector leaders. It is designed to change how infrastructure is built, financed and maintained in communities across the country.

A national discussion on how we build and fund our roads, bridges, tunnels, seaports, airports, rural infrastructure and transit systems is long overdue. As U.S. Secretary of Transportation, I’ve had countless conversations with governors and local officials across the country — including Florida Gov. Rick Scott — about strengthening America’s critical infrastructure. Florida is doing it the right way.

One project in particular is the I-4 Ultimate Project. I-4 Ultimate will help transform Central Florida by rebuilding 21 miles of interstate. From its inception in 1965, I-4 has been a vital east-west connector that cuts through Central Florida, serving as the main transportation corridor from Daytona Beach to Tampa.

I-4 Ultimate includes the addition of two new dynamic tolled Express Lanes in each direction, replacing more than 140 bridges, reconfiguring 15 major interchanges, and reconstructing the entire existing roadway. By utilizing a public-private partnership procurement method, the Florida Department of Transportation will deliver the project in seven years where standard funding options projected it would take 27 years to complete. When finished, the project is expected to decrease travel times by increasing options for commuters and visitors in central Florida.

The $2.3 billion construction project is benefiting from more than $1 billion in private financing from the concessionaire, I-4 Mobility Partners, including private bank loans, Federal TIFIA loans, and private investment. As such, the project also needs a workforce, including engineers, designers, skilled workers, as well as all that goes into supplying product and equipment along the way. This means jobs for Central Florida.

Unfortunately, Florida is the exception, not the norm. One out of every five miles of U.S. highway pavement is in poor condition. Americans spent an estimated 6.9 billion hours delayed in traffic in 2014, or 42 hours per driver. Almost 40 percent of America’s bridges are more than 50 years old.

Fortunately, the president is a builder and he is making infrastructure a priority.

President Trump’s proposal will stimulate at least $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment, which includes a minimum of $200 billion in direct federal funding. It will include not only roads and bridges, but drinking and wastewater, energy, broadband, and veterans hospitals as well.

The guiding principles are to: 1) provide federal dollars as matching funds to incentivize infrastructure investment; 2) provide for the needs of rural communities; 3) streamline and speed up project delivery; and, 4) provide for workforce training.

The key element of the proposal is to empower decision making by State and local officials, who know best the infrastructure needs of their communities, including those in rural America. The Federal government needs to stop dictating and start listening to State and local leaders, including those who encourage private sector investment in infrastructure.

Permitting reform will eliminate duplication and enhance environmental protections by delivering infrastructure improvements in a timelier fashion. The Department of Transportation is already developing a new process to handle the reviewing of complicated, multi-agency projects to reduce permitting from ten years to two.

And as a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, I could not be more pleased that this plan also has a work-force component, to help workers access the education and skills needed to build these new projects and better prepare them to remain an active part of the American work force.

Infrastructure is the foundation of our economy, and the key to job growth and keeping our country competitive. The citizens of Florida know this. Americans know this.

President Trump’s proposal will create new jobs, strengthen our economy, and improve quality of life. It will help ensure that our country has the infrastructure needed for today and the plans for tomorrow to remain a global leader. The Administration looks forward to working with both parties in Congress to get it done.

By Secretary Elaine Chao
Orlando Sentinel
February 15, 2018

Elaine L. Chao is the secretary of the Department of Transportation

DOC Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Imports of 100- to 150-Seat Large Civil Aircraft From Canada

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Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of 100- to 150-seat large civil aircraft from Canada. As AFA, Commerce applied the sole dumping margin calculated in the petition for Canadian exports of aircraft, which is 79.82 percent. This rate will apply to all other producers/exporters as well.

The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of 100- to 150-seat large civil aircraft based on this preliminary rate.

“The United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade with Canada, but this is not our idea of a properly functioning trading relationship,” said Secretary Ross. “We will continue to verify the accuracy of this decision, while do everything in our power to stand up for American companies and their workers.”
Although Canadian civil aircraft subject to this investigation have not yet been imported, an April 2016 press release announcing the sale of Canadian civil aircraft to a U.S. airline valued the order to be in excess of $5 billion.

The petitioner is The Boeing Company (IL).
Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20 through October 5, 2017, the Commerce Department has initiated 65 AD and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations – a 48 percent increase from the previous year, and a 16-year peak in the number of investigations initiated in a single fiscal year. The Commerce Department currently maintains 411 AD and CVD duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.

Antidumping laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of dumping unfairly priced products into the United States.

Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final AD determination in this investigation on December 19, 2017.

If the Commerce Department makes an affirmative final determination of dumping and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue an AD order. If the Commerce Department makes a negative final determination of dumping or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.

Automotive & Ground Transportation Upcoming Events

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APTA EXPO, Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta – October 9-11, 2017:
Held every three years in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Annual Meeting, EXPO is public transit’s premier showcase of technology, products and services. Be at the center of the growing public transportation industry where innovation and technology converge to accelerate every mode of public transportation.
Event details here.

Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Conference Las Vegas, Nevada – October 29 – 31, 2017:
The AWDA Conference brings the leading manufacturers and wholesalers of the industry together to engage in productive and profitable business and networking opportunities.
Details here.

ITS World Congress Montreal, Canada – October 29 – November 2, 2017:
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America for exhibits, demonstrations and industry-leading education on transformational transportation and integrated mobility. Last year’s Congress drew 11,000 participants from 70 countries. 
Event details here.

Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Las Vegas, Nevada – October 31 – November 2, 2017:
As the annual, trade-only showcase for the $356 billion automotive auto care market, the AAPEX engages more than 132,000 professionals from around the globe.
Event details here.

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show ,Las Vegas, Nevada – October 31 – November 3, 2017:
The annual, trade-only SEMA Show features 2,400 exhibiting companies that offer the latest automotive specialty products related to enhancing a vehicle’s performance, appearance, safety, or comfort. Approximately 25 percent of the buyers that attend SEMA are from outside of the United States. On October 30, U.S. companies can participate in three roundtable discussions regarding SEMA’s overseas trips to China, Australia, and the Middle East, and hear tips from buyers and experienced exporters about selling to these regions.
Event details here.

Automotive Meetings Bursa, Turkey – November 14 – 16, 2017:
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and Advanced Business Events for the only auto supply chain event in Turkey for the automotive and aftermarket industry. AM Bursa is a unique venue for suppliers and service providers interested or doing business in Turkey to secure direct meetings with large Tier I and Tier II automotive companies. Engineering, procurement, supply chain, fabrication, commodity teams, suppliers and service providers will meet through pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings, without the distractions found at traditional exhibitions. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate!
Event details here.

55th Annual National RV Show Louisville, Kentucky – November 28 – November 30, 2017:
As the sole “trade only” recreational vehicle (RV) industry show currently held, there is no public attendance. The show provides an important marketplace for recreational vehicle dealers, owners of accessory stores and campground operators to view the products of numerous RV manufacturers and suppliers of OEM parts, services and accessories in one location. The show provides exhibitors an excellent opportunity to expand product lines into new regions, domestically and internationally; see competing products; and strengthen distribution networks.
Event details here.

Automechanika Shanghai, China – November 29 – December 2, 2017:
Automechanika is one of the leading international meeting places for the automotive sector. It spotlights innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management and the latest automobile services. U.S. companies can exhibit anywhere on the show floor or in the U.S. Pavilion.
Event details here.

Passport App to Expedite Arrival of International Travelers at LAX

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LOS ANGELES — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced today the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to LAX. With the addition of LAX, Mobile Passport Control is now available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors arriving at 23 major international airports. The Mobile Passport app has been downloaded 1 million times over the last two years.

Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

“CBP is committed to improving the international travel experience by offering new and innovative technology to streamline the arrival process,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “Through our partnership with Los Angeles World Airports, travelers arriving at LAX will have another processing option to use that has been proven to reduce wait times without compromising our important border security mission.”

MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control (APC) the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.

“At Los Angeles World Airports, one of our strategic goals is to innovate for security, efficiency, and effectiveness, and the Mobile Passport Control app is a prime example of how we do this,” said Aura Moore, LAWA Deputy Executive Director and Chief Information Officer. “The introduction of the MPC app at LAX is another milestone in our work to enhance the guest experience and deliver a gold-standard airport, without compromising on safety or security. And thanks to the twelve new Wi-Fi access points we’ve installed in the customs area, travelers can be assured the infrastructure is in place to support this new tool.”

The process is efficient and secure, the information and answers to inspection-related questions are submitted directly to CBP via secure encryption protocols. The App streamlines the traveler inspection process and enables CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative functions.

Information about Mobile Passport Control, including how to download the app, user eligibility and other frequently asked questions, is available on CBP.gov.
CBP’s website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the United States.

By CBP: September 21, 2017

LA, Long Beach Ports’ Zero Emission Plan to Cost Up to USD 14 Bn

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The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have set out aggressive near-term and long-term strategies to cut harmful air pollution from all port-related sources to ultimately achieve zero emissions for trucks and terminal equipment.

In a draft document titled 2017 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) Update the ports revealed detailed steps to be undertaken.

“These ports are going where no port has gone before,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

“Based on what we’ve already accomplished to promote healthy, robust trade through our gateway, we’re ready to make history again, looking at a new array of technologies and strategies to further lower port-related emissions in the decades ahead.”

According to a preliminary analysis the cost of implementing the 2017 CAAP rages between USD 7 billion and USD 14 billion. Given the magnitude of the investment, the draft plan calls for the ports to intensify their funding advocacy and increase collaboration with their partners to finance the new strategies.

The ports claim that the draft 2017 CAAP ushers in a new era of clean air strategies that seek to reduce harmful emissions from port-related sources: ships, trucks, cargo handling equipment, locomotives and harbor craft.

Furthermore, the document is said to be in line with local, regional, state and federal standards and regulations, and anticipates clean air regulations under development by the California Air Resources Board.

The 2017 CAAP sets new clean air goals focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The plan carries over previous 2023 targets for cutting other primary pollutants aimed at reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM) 77 percent, sulfur oxides (SOx) 93 percent, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) 59 percent below 2005 levels.

The most recent emissions inventories show the ports have surpassed the 2023 DPM and SOx reduction targets and are within striking range of the NOx target. The 2017 CAAP identifies the tougher measures needed to ratchet down harmful emissions to zero or near-zero levels, the statement further adds.

The document’s release kicks off a public review and comment period that extends through Sept. 18.

The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach handle approximately 40 percent of the nation’s total containerized import traffic and 25 percent of its total exports.

By – World Maritime News