Port Indirect Source Rule Newsletter #17
With Your Support, We Did It!
Air District Votes to Approve Cooperative Agreement
Thanks to you and many others, the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) voted 9 to 1 to approve a Cooperative Agreement, advanced by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, in lieu of a Port Indirect Source Rule initially proposed by the SCAQMD last year. Given where we started, with an Indirect Source Rule promulgated by the SCAQMD that would have effectively instituted a cap on cargo, Friday’s decision is no small feat. PMSA issued this statement in support of the adoption. A recording of the hearing is also available here.
The agreement reached is the result of many months of pain-staking negotiations. The Cooperative Agreement achieves a number of goals important to Ports stakeholders and necessary to support the path to a successful transition to zero-emissions. First and foremost, the Agreement recognizes that collaboration has achieved continued emissions reduction and investment - a link to the latest emissions inventory can be found here. In addition, it provides a clear framework for the planning and construction of zero-emissions infrastructure. As requested by many stakeholders, the agreement is enforceable, with exit provisions that allow for changed direction if any party does not fulfil its obligations.
On Monday, November 10, the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission approved the Cooperative Agreement. The last remaining action to ratify the Agreement reached by the SCAQMD Friday is consideration and approval by the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commission, which is scheduled to be taken up at their Board meeting on November 20th.
The progress made over the past year, highlighted by the Cooperative Agreement between the SCAQMD and the Cities and Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, demonstrates what can be achieved when regulatory agencies and the regulated community work together toward shared goals.
Say #NoPortISR
If you know of anyone who should be added to this newsletter, please have them contact Natasha Villa at nvilla@pmsaship.com.