In an unprecedented effort to drastically diminish emissions and clean extremely polluted air, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have initiated the Clean Trucks Program (CTP), designed to replace old polluting trucks with cleaner, electric ones.

Trucks are checked at the Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Center

photo via the Port of Los Angeles

Trucks made in 1988 or earlier have been banned since last October and others that fail to meet 2007 air pollution standards must pay a $70 fee every time they haul cargo in and out of the ports. In addition, electric trucks are currently being introduced and within the next three years, most ships will be able to plug into the ports’ electrical grid and turn off their highly pollutant diesel engines, which could reduce emissions by nearly three tons a ship.

The National Resources Defense Council, one of the ports toughest critics, praises the program and estimates that emissions resulting from diesel particulates have already been decreased by nearly 50%.

However, not everyone is entirely thrilled with the initiative. The ATA filed suit in U.S. District Court in L.A. to challenge specific concession requirements that will lead to a complete ban of independent owner operator drivers from servicing the ports’ operations within five years. ATA President and CEO Bill Graves stated the ATA fully supports and encourages the implementation of environmentally-sound practices; however, they do oppose the “needless economic regulation in an effort to reshape the motor carrier industry that services the ports.”  The appeal is currently pending and will likely be decided after the completion of full briefing and argument in court later this year.

To learn more about the program and how it is affecting southern California truck drivers, click here.