Oakland
VIDEO: Congressional Hearing on U.S. Port Trucking
Unique Environmental-Labor Coalition Participates in Congressional Hearing on Negative Environmental and Economic Impacts of U.S. Port Trucking
New York Congressman Champions Congressional Efforts to Modernize Transportation System: Bring LA's Successful - but Threatened - Green Growth Initiative to Ports Nationwide
Members of the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports and our sister organization, the Coalition for Healthy Ports took Washington, DC by storm by testifying at a Congressional hearing on the unprecedented success of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Clean Truck Program and the negative consequences of the American Trucking Associations' attempt to block key elements from being implemented. A low-income port driver, believed to be the first such worker , appeared before Congress and was joined by a leading environmental attorney, an elected leader of the largest union of transportation workers, as well as top a top official of America's largest port.
The hearing marks a critical turning point in the public conversation on this issue. During the course of the hearing members of Congress asked tough question and it became clear that port drivers are being forced to bear the costs of clean air, while the trucking industry is getting a free ride.
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman of the Highways & Transit Sub-Committee called for an investigation into allegations of "sham" lease agreements and misclassification of port truck drivers as "independent contractors."
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) announced that he is introducing legislation to amend Federal Motor Carrier statutes so ports can enact and enforce Clean Truck Programs similar to the Port of Los Angeles .
Here are some media reports on the hearing:
Ports of ContentionRoll Call, May 5<sup>th</sup>, 2010
Plan for Ports Program
La Opinion, May 6th, 2010
LA Port Official Pushed for Federal Fix to Clean Truck Program
E&E Daily, May 6th, 2010
Congress to Scrutinize Harbor Truck Leasing
Journal of Commerce, May 6th, 2010
Leasing Abuses at Ports Must be Addressed
Land Line Magazine, May 6th, 2010
CA Ports’ Truck Lease-to-Own Deal Merit Investigation
Transport Topics, May 11th, 2010
ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to Protect the L.A. Clean Truck Program!
CLICK HERE TO WRITE YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS!
Eighty-seven million Americans live and work in regions near ports that violate Federal air quality standards, where rates and risk of asthma, cancer and respiratory illnesses are rampant.
Congress is holding a hearing about the impact of port trucking on May 5th, and they need to hear from you now! Please join port truck drivers, environmental advocates and community residents across the country and ask Congress to support real clean truck programs at our ports.
CLICK HERE TO WRITE YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS!
