Posted on August 12, 2026
Three new strategies to improve air quality and lessen community impacts from port-related emissions have been approved by the Port of Long Beach, in coordination with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and Port of Los Angeles, as they work toward a shared goal of zero-emissions goods movement at the nation’s largest ports complex.
These strategies build on the historic Cooperative Agreement adopted last December and include:
- $40 million in new funding from the ports for a regionwide zero-emissions truck charging network;
- Enhancements to existing green ship incentive programs to encourage visits from the cleanest available oceangoing vessels;
- And a new program to further incentivize deployment of zero-emissions trucks.
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners voted unanimously today in favor of the above “CAAP Plus” (Clean Air Action Plan) measures following SCAQMD Board approval on Aug. 7. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the issue on Aug. 13.
The new strategies are part of an Addendum to the Cooperative Agreement entered into by the Ports and South Coast AQMD last year, and expand on the voluntary, landmark San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan that has delivered remarkable progress in cutting emissions from port-related sources, including reductions of 90% in diesel particulate matter, 68% in nitrogen oxides and 98% in sulfur oxides from port-related sources since 2005.
“In Long Beach, the health of our economy is tied to the health of our environment,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “These strategies are exciting because not only do they accelerate the journey toward cleaner, electrified operations at the Port of Long Beach, they benefit the entire region by growing charging infrastructure used by heavy-duty trucks across Southern California. Together with SCAQMD, the Port of Los Angeles and our many partners, we’re helping define what a resilient, sustainable supply chain looks like — while supporting good-paying jobs and protecting our communities.”
“These measures are an evolution of the collaborative framework established last year and enable us to make progress toward zero emissions through concrete, measurable and transparent actions,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “We appreciate the partnership with SCAQMD staff to get to this point, which involved more than six months of public input, meetings and discussions.”
“As we prepare to handle 20 million TEUs by 2050, we are building the Port of the Future — a 100% zero-emissions port,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “This new set of clean-air strategies strengthens our commitment, accelerates the zero-emissions transition and ensures cleaner air across the South Coast Air Basin.”
The three-party Cooperative Agreement was negotiated to ensure that both ports maintain their competitiveness while completing comprehensive zero-emissions infrastructure plans to improve air quality in the region. The first phase of the zero-emissions infrastructure plans is expected to be released in spring 2027.
The Port of Long Beach currently has 102 charging stations on site – the most of any seaport in the United States, with 92 more coming online later this year. The addendum to the agreement between the SCAQMD, Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles will expand charging infrastructure outside the complex and into key locations around Southern California.
Learn more about the Port of Long Beach’s sustainability initiatives at polb.com/environment and the Clean Air Action Plan at www.cleanairactionplan.org.
The Port of Long Beach is building the Port of the Future™, guided by its bold new 2050 vision and a plan to double annual container volumes to 20 million units by 2050. By strategically modernizing the Port’s infrastructure with $3.3 billion in capital investments over the next decade and developing digital systems to dramatically enhance efficiency and visibility, the Port is also becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port. Today the Port moves cargo valued at $300 billion a year and generates 2.7 million jobs across the U.S., as it continues to lead the world on sustainability programs and plans to double those benefits by doubling volume. As one of only 18 commercial strategic seaports in the U.S. with a duty to support force deployment during national defense emergencies, a community partner that offers $3 million per year in sponsorships for local nonprofits and a major catalyst for workforce development creating opportunities for students far and wide, the Port is well-positioned for even higher achievements. After all, industry leaders named Long Beach “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for an eighth consecutive year in 2026. The Port of Long Beach. Always open. Always moving.
