Port of LA demonstrates grace under pressure

As the Port of Los Angeles hosted the 28th World Ports Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbors last week, a crucial vote was being cast to determine its logistical future.

By every measure the IAPH conference was a rousing success, attracting more than 500 decision-makers from 55 nations and more than 100 global ocean cargo gateways. But as reported here, Port of LA leaders were also participating in a critical meeting with the Los Angeles City Council to gain approval of BNSF’s Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) project.

Shippers and port authorities alike were relieved to discover that the $500 million project received the green light, thereby making LA an even greener place to do business. While some local residents were opposed to the new construction, the Council recognized that the on-dock intermodal facility is projected to cut emissions by 90 percent, and further reduce the dependence of motor carriers in this vital transport artery.

Outgoing LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa noted in his IAPH speech that the port has long been a leader in “clean energy alternatives.” At the same time, he observed that trucking companies, too, have invested nearly $1 billion of their own monies to comply with new regulations.
Mario Cordero, a long-time advocate of Southern California ports, and current chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments when he told the IAPH audience that all the region’s stakeholders are “on board” when it comes to improving air quality.