Zero Emission Cargo Equipment: CARB Could Help Make It Happen

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) considers amendments to its measure cleaning up diesel cargo handling equipment at ports and railyards tomorrow.  Along with the many minor amendments proposed, CARB has the opportunity to greatly advance Zero Emission Container Movement Systems that are much cleaner and more efficient than their diesel predecessors. 

The Cargo handling equipment regulation provides much needed relief from air pollution in some of the most heavily impacted communities.  For example, this equipment produces nearly a quarter of the diesel soot from California’s largest rail yards, like those in Commerce and San Bernardino where fenceline communities have suffered serious health impacts from those operations. 

Fortunately there are many clean alternatives to diesel cargo equipment and these are being advanced by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  CARB can play an important role bringing these clean technologies into widespread use by conducting a technology assessment, incorporating incentives in the cargo equipment regulation, and supporting Zero Emission Container Movement projects.

I hope that CARB will embrace its role as clean air and climate leader and accelerate the early use of zero emission cargo handling equipment.