More than 100 environmental advocates, government officials, and business representatives gathered on October 10 for the Port and Freight Solutions Symposium in Long Beach. This day-long event provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the future of zero and near-zero emission technologies at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. Our diverse audience agreed that we have the potential to make great change and set a foundation for a cleaner, greener goods movement sector.
The day began with a keynote presentation from Dr. Joseph Lyou, Coalition for Clean Air’s (CCA) President and CEO. Thanks to a generous grant from The Durfee Foundation, Dr. Lyou has spent over a year gathering data, interviewing stakeholders, and researching the zero and near-zero emissions technology sector as it relates to the ports. His presentation encapsulated the concerns from stakeholders as well as the hopes and possibilities for a cleaner port and freight system.
Following Dr. Lyou’s presentation attendees heard from the Vision Panel comprised of Rick Cameron (Port of Long Beach), Hector De La Torre (California Air Resources Board), Angelo Logan (Moving Forward Network), George Minter (Southern California Gas Company), Peter Peyton (retired from ILWU Local 63, Marine Clerks Association), and Mike Simon (Transpower). Panelists discussed timing and funding issues as it pertained to their idea of what the freight industry might look like in 50 years.
Keynote speaker Dr. Bill Burke, Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Governing Board reminded the audience our efforts at reducing emissions are about people. Behind each statistic is a person with cancer, emphysema, respiratory disease, and asthma. Our significant improvements in emissions and collaborative efforts translate to real health benefits affecting individuals, families, and communities.
Positive change and successful collaboration takes bold leadership. This important topic was addressed by the Leadership Panel and included Mario Cordero (Federal Maritime Commission), Richard Corey (California Air Resources Board), Adrian Martinez (Earthjustice), and Dr. Barry Wallerstein (South Coast Air Quality Management District). Panelists discussed their views about the role of leaders and how they could or should influence the future of port and freight transportation in California.
The final discussion addressed our actions moving forward. Panelists discussed the necessary next steps to meeting our port and freight transportation economic, environmental, and public health goals and requirements. The Path Forward Panel featured Chris Cannon (Port of Los Angeles), Dr. Abas Goodarzi (US Hybrid), Stella Li (BYD), Nancy Sutley (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), and Eileen Tutt (California Electric Vehicle Coalition).
The Port and Freight Solutions Symposium was an excellent opportunity to gather the various stakeholders and leaders that together can help lead us to a zero or near-zero emission port and freight future. This event underscores the fact that if we work together – industry, regulators, activists, and community members – we have the potential to make great change and set a foundation for a cleaner, greener goods movement sector.
This event was made possible by a generous grant from The Durfee Foundation.
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