LA’s Green New Deal a step forward, but more action is needed on goods movement

Statement of Coalition for Clean Air Deputy Policy Director Chris Chavez

While we applaud Mayor Garcetti’s steps to make Los Angeles more sustainable, both LA’s Green New Deal and Executive Directive #25 have a glaring absence: a substantive commitment to clean up the toxic diesel exhaust that poisons our air, especially in low-income communities of color.

A plan that takes a pass on cleaning up our biggest source of pollution – goods movement by trucks, trains, off-road equipment and ships — is incomplete at best. Already, business as usual is threatening to undercut the vision of LA’s Green New Deal. The Port has proposed a woefully inadequate rate on diesel trucks, meaning thousands of dirty trucks will remain on our roads for years to come. Further, the Port’s continued handling of coal exports contributes to our growing climate emergency.

LA’s Green New Deal has many commendable provisions, particularly at it relates to passenger vehicles and transit, building efficiency and improved government operations. In order to be a true climate leader and bring clean air to our most vulnerable, environmentally burdened communities, however, Mayor Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles must do more to clean up the goods movement system.

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