We are an unprecedented alliance that is united against pollution and poverty at our nation’s ports. Our solution – the LA Clean Truck Program – has put workers and the community on the road to clean air, but a backwards-looking industry threatens our progress. Our fight for the good jobs and green growth that a 21st century port trucking business model promises will prevail.
WHAT’S NEW
A Growing List of Big-City Mayors Calling on Congress Grows BIGGER!
The Mayor of Seattle Michael McGinn is the latest to join other port-city mayors around the country, including Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa (LA), Cory Booker (Newark), Michael Bloomberg (New York), and Ritter (Broward County, Florida) in supporting changes to outdated federal law so it is clear that ports have the authority to set environmental, labor, and security standards for the port trucking industry.
Unfortunately, the Port of Seattle's CEO has been lobbying to undermine this much-needed legal reform, despite the fact that his Port's Board of Commissioners have not directed him to do so. In fact, the Commission has not taken a position on the issue, calling into question who really directs the port: Staff or commissioners? This question seems to pop up at every port around the country.
The Port of LA, however, continues to lead legislative efforts to ensure that 21st century programs like its EPA-award winning LA Clean Truck Program can be replicated at ports nationwide.
We must not let the industry polluters and lobbyists for the American Trucking Association thwart our efforts to protect the environment and public health, reduce security risks and create good middle-class American jobs! Learn more about the organizations fighting for port reform: Environmental Community and Labor Groups Nationwide
Port Runs Into Legal Trouble on Clean Trucks Enforcement
By Kristopher Hanson
Long Beach Press-Telegram, January 4, 2010
The Port of Long Beach just can't seem to get itself out of legal jams these days.
Weeks after approving a deal with the trucking lobby over enforcement measures in
its Clean Trucks Plan, the port is being sued by a coalition of environmental and
community groups who believe the agreement violates local, state and federal laws.
Ports celebrate Clean Truck Program anniversary
By Kristopher Hanson
Contra Costa Times, January 4, 2010
A steady stream of clean trucks has taken over local roadways during the past year
following a sweeping and controversial ban on less environmentally friendly trucks
by port authorities that has spurred talk of a revolution within the trucking industry
at major ports across the country.
OUR VOICES
Local residents, workers, students and port truck drivers are in the fight of their lives. While local community members have joined the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports in the struggle for a sustainable solution against poverty and pollution - irresponsible industry players have focused their efforts on evading their responsibility and passing the cost on to drivers and port residents.
Francisco Martinez - Port Truck Driver
I’ve worked at the ports for over 10 years and it’s never been this bad for us truck drivers. Right now the companies are passing the cost of cleaning the air on to workers by forcing us to lease the new trucks. Most of us have to work over 16 hours a day just to pay off the company’s truck.(more)
Bernice Banares – Long Beach Resident & School Teacher
I grew up around the ports and currently teach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach. My entire life has been affected by the horrible pollution in our community. I have asthma, all five of my children have asthma, my students have asthma and the toll on our lives is an everyday ordeal. (more)
