Calif. assembly urges federal freight policy

Calif. assembly urges federal freight policy    The California State Assembly last week passed a resolution urging the federal government to create a national freight policy, adding to the chorus of those seeking such a framework to upgrade and secure the nation's goods movement network.
   The resolution, SJR 33, specifically asks U.S. Congress to adopt a uniform federal interest in improving the flow of cargo through California's airports, seaports and land ports of entry.
   The resolution was lauded by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, a trade association representing ocean carriers and marine terminal operators that do business at California's public ports. PMSA has been critical of the California legislature (in particular the Democratic majority), for enacting legislation that could hinder trade through California ports. American Shipper's September issue reports on a California state Republican policy white paper on how the state's ports are losing their competitive edge, a view supported by PMSA.
   However, the association said the resolution passed last week, written by state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Ports and Goods Movement, is a step in the right direction.
   'SJR 33 is an acknowledgment of the fact that, while California's airports, border crossings and seaports are critical national assets that facilitate massive amounts of international commerce, the federal government lacks a coordinated plan to invest in these assets,' said PMSA Vice President Mike Jacob. 'The lack of a national freight policy hurts West Coast trade, as self-help states like California will continue to locally bear the costs of both facilitating trade growth and reducing environmental impacts, without the benefit of full federal investment and partnership in trade supporting investment.'