Cleaning Up Goods Movement Amidst Unprecedented Reconfiguration of the Supply Chain—the Ports/710 Corridor
There is little doubt that our San Pedro Bay ports, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, are collectively global models for aggressive and meaningful environmental stewardship in an industry in which it is hard, expensive and often controversial to take that position. The San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan adopted by our twin ports has resulted in a 90% reduction in diesel particulate emissions and a 60% increase in wildlife diversity, among other benefits. But the last couple of years have shifted our focus sharply away from these achievements. We see pictures on the news of dozens and dozens of cargo ships waiting offshore, allegedly for days at a time…while burning fossil fuel. We see the result of supply disruptions when we go to our local stores. Many times, the goods were not in stock. When they are, the prices can be scary – especially so for the economically challenged citizens of our state and region.Today we will ask the experts - all of whom have demonstrated their dedication to the environment with concrete actions - what’s really going on? Are we being forced to accept a step back in environmental stewardship because of supply chain disruptions? Are there choices we can and should be making – and what are they?
Moderator: Jim Kelly, Director, S&C Electric
Panel:
Mario Cordero Executive Director, Port of Long Beach
Hector De La Torre, Assembly Appointee, CARB
David Libatique Deputy Executive DIrector of Stakeholder Engagement, Port of Los Angeles
Tak Yokoo, Advanced Fuel Cell Senior Executive Engineer, Toyota Motor North America R&D