On the heels of a new national evaluation of U.S. ports, the Port of San Diego has been singled out for praise, landing high marks for its environmental efforts. A report from The Clean Ports Report Card, which assessed ports based on emissions management and community engagement, gave the San Diego port an overall rating of 80.9%.
This "Rising Star" rating, the highest among its peers, reflects the Port’s commitment to reducing air pollution and collaborating with the community. According to the Port of San Diego, the evaluation recognized their Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) as a key driver of their progress. The MCAS aims to slash air pollution and greenhouse emissions from maritime operations to nearly zero by 2030, a clear and measurable target.
Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, highlighted the significance of the MCAS in an environmentally conscious initiative. "Through initiatives like the Maritime Clean Air Strategy, we’re taking measurable action to reduce emissions and deliver meaningful environmental benefits to all who live, work and play on and around San Diego Bay," Moore stated, per the Port of San Diego. In essence, the strategy has effectively served as a roadmap for the Port's actions and future ambitions concerning clean air.
The assessment graded the ports in four primary areas: Emissions Inventory, Clean Air Planning, Emissions Reduction Actions, and Community Engagement and Collaboration. In the Emission Inventory, the Port has been commended for maintaining a comprehensive and openly available emissions inventory that adheres to federal reporting standards. Notably, their Clean Air Planning achievements were underscored by ambitious and specific reduction goals, alongside quantifiable benchmarks and timelines, for which the Port made commendable strides. In Emissions Reduction Actions, ongoing large-scale projects, including zero-emission cargo handling equipment and cleaner trucks, reflect the Port's impactful undertakings.
Community Engagement and Collaboration also earned the Port accolades, with recognition for its inclusive planning and environmental policy-making. The Port's initiatives ensure that residents, particularly those in neighborhoods closely impacted by port activities, have the opportunity to participate and influence clean air priorities.
