Port of L.A. appoints environmental chief

Port of L.A. appoints environmental chief    The Port of Los Angeles has named Christopher Cannon as director of environmental management.
   Cannon has worked as a consultant for the port, most recently helping to manage implementing and operating the Clean Truck program. He replaces Ralph Abbey, who retired earlier this year.
   Cannon's job entails assessing the environmental impact of development projects and determining appropriate mitigation measures. He will also be responsible for preparing environmental impact statements required by law, conducting studies on dredging, noise abatement, water and air quality, managing wildlife and establishing environmental policies.
   The Clean Truck program, which bans in phases by 2012 all trucks that don't meet 2007 emission standards, has been controversial in the business community because it requires trucking companies to purchase expensive licenses. The program has reduced emissions of harmful diesel emissions by 80 percent, according to the port.
   Before his work on the Clean Truck Program, Cannon supported the development of key air quality projects such as the port's comprehensive Clean Air Action Plan and its efforts to complete critical environmental impact reports for projects. Cannon has 21 years of experience in the environmental services industry, working on a range of projects while employed by ENVIRON International Corp. and TRC Environmental Solutions. He also spent two years as a legislative assistant for environmental policy on the staff of Rep. Martin Sabo of Minnesota.