Long Beach studies plan to penalize terminals for truck pollution

Long Beach studies plan to penalize terminals for truck pollution    The Port of Long Beach is considering a plan to impose a tariff on terminal operators who fail to reduce truck emissions, according to spokesman Art Wong.
   Last year the port announced a “healthy harbor” initiative to improve air and water quality. The initiative calls for reductions in the amount of diesel pollution from vessels and trucks. The program seeks terminals to increase their efficiency and improve scheduling of trucks to avoid congestion because idling trucks produce more emissions than when operating on the road.
   Port staff prepared a proposal to address the air quality problem that allows the commission to fine terminals that do not take steps to reduce delays, but the commission sent the proposal to staff attorneys for legal analysis, Wong told American Shipper. That research could take several weeks, he said.