California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has approved an agreement with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to develop and implement charging and fueling infrastructure plans that include annual reporting requirements and agency oversight.
The ports already have agreements with the Port of Shanghai to reduce emissions and take other sustainability measures.
The Cooperative Agreement prioritizes the development of zero-emission infrastructure at the Ports—the first critical step towards eliminating emissions from cargo handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains, and ocean-going vessels and attaining clean air in the region. Under the agreement:
- The Ports will develop comprehensive zero-emission Infrastructure Plans in three phases, including planning targets, key milestones, and public input.
- South Coast AQMD will verify progress through annual reports and regular reporting to its Governing Board on implementation and progress.
- Penalties for noncompliance range from $50,000 to $200,000 per default and will be used towards projects benefiting near-port communities.
- A 45-day exit clause was to provide flexibility for either party to withdraw if necessary.
“Environmental progress and economic leadership are no longer competing goals—they must move forward together,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “This collaborative agreement marks a major step toward a more sustainable port complex that protects community health, advances our climate action commitments, and strengthens regional economic growth with good-paying jobs. By accelerating zero-emission infrastructure, we will deliver cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and a greener global supply chain that reaches far beyond our two cities.”
The Governing Board also adopted a resolution to pause rulemaking for five years—unless the agreement is terminated early—allowing time for the infrastructure planning needed while preserving South Coast AQMD’s authority to resume rulemaking if needed.
The Cooperative Agreement will still need to be approved by the Boards of Harbor Commissioners for both the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Those approvals are expected to take place in the next several weeks.
South Coast AQMD and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will continue to negotiate on additional measures to expand emission reduction efforts, with updates expected in Spring 2026. These future actions will focus on near-term emission reductions and support for long-term zero-emission goals.
