New Report Shows Continued Clean Air Gains

The Los Angeles City Council has approved the appointment of Michael ‘Mickey’ Chavez to the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. Nominated by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

The Port of Los Angeles  ( LA ) continued to make clean air gains in 2025, recording its lowest emissions per container on record, according to the Port's newly released Inventory of Air Emissions. The findings mark another milestone in the Port's clean air efforts, with emissions declining from the previous year and continuing a two-decade trend of significant reductions.

The Port of Los Angeles continues to demonstrate economic growth 

"The Port of Los Angeles continues to demonstrate that economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "These results reflect years of investment, collaboration, and our shared commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our Harbor communities while ensuring Los Angeles remains a competitive hub for global commerce."

The latest inventory shows that progress has continued since 2017. 

Since 2005, the Port has reduced diesel particulate matter emissions (DPM) by 90%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 72%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 98%, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 16%, while container volumes have increased 37%. 

The latest inventory also shows continued progress since 2017, when the Port of Los Angeles and neighboring Port of Long Beach updated their landmark Clean Air Action Plan to accelerate the transition toward zero-emissions operations. Emissions of DPM, NOx, SOx, and GHGs are down 15%, 38%, 28%, and 9% since then.

As we mark 20 years of the Clean Air Action Plan,

In 2025 alone, emissions of DPM fell 2%, NOx declined 4%, SOx dropped 5%, and GHGs decreased 3% compared with 2024. The reduction in NOx marked the lowest annual total for that pollutant since the Port began tracking emissions in 2005.

"As we mark 20 years of the Clean Air Action Plan, these results are a powerful reminder of how far we've come," said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Beatrice Hsu. "These latest reductions are a tremendous achievement, but we know there's more work to do. We're committed to building on this progress as we move toward a zero-emissions future."

"These results demonstrate that we can move high cargo volumes while continuing to reduce emissions," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "This progress reflects years of investment, innovation, and collaboration across our maritime industry. We're proud of what we've accomplished together, and we're focused on accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable port operations."

Each year, the Port inventories air pollution 

Each year, the Port inventories air pollution from ships, trucks, trains, harbor craft, and cargo-handling equipment to measure the results of its clean air strategies. The new report is based on trade activity during calendar year 2025.

In 2025, the Port handled nearly 10.2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), the standard measurement for international shipping containers. Highlights of the new inventory include:
•    Trucks: Newer, cleaner trucks continue to replace their diesel counterparts, resulting in annual clean air gains. This includes a substantial decrease in DPM and NOx – down 16% and 25% – in a single year. All pollutants are down since 2005, with dramatic declines of DPM, NOx and SOx – down 98%, 94% and 97% respectively. 

Related: Port of Los Angeles Sets All-Time Monthly Cargo Record

•    Cargo handling equipment: The Port recorded a 20% increase in the number of electric cargo-handling units last year alone. Today, zero-emission pieces comprise 14% of all cargo handling equipment operating at the Port, and there are 10 times as many pieces of cleaner hybrid equipment since 2017. The result is a steady drop in emissions at every milestone, with a total decline of DPM, NOx, and SOx of 83%, 87%, and 84% since 2005. 

•    Harbor craft: Emissions of DPM and NOx are down due to fleet turnover and use of renewable diesel in all harbor craft, even as these smaller vessels are doing more work. As of 2025, 55% of the tugs, barges, ferries, and other work boats operating at the Port met stricter Tier 3 and Tier 4 emissions standards, up from 20% in 2017 and 0% in 2005. Emissions of DPM, NOx and SOx are down 69%, 32% and 86% since 2005.

Related: Port of Los Angeles hits second-busiest July with 960,464 TEU

•    Ships: Cleaner marine fuels, increased use of shore power and comparable emissions capture technologies, and fewer ship arrivals – down 34% since 2005 – continue to drive progress. Emissions of DPM are down 19% and NOx and SOx by 29% since 2017 and down 94%, 58% and 98% since 2005.

•    Locomotives: For 2025, emissions were down 1% since the previous year due to a slight decrease in rail activity. Since 2005, cleaner fuels, greater operational efficiency, and newer, cleaner locomotives have cut rail emissions of DPM, NOx, and SOx by 45%, 52%, and 99%.

Regional, state, and federal air regulatory agencies review the inventory each year before the Port releases its findings. Their review helps verify the findings

 Advance clean air initiatives

The Port continues to advance clean air initiatives through investments in technology, operational improvements, incentives, grants, and partnerships. These efforts include developing green shipping corridors with major ports in Asia, as well as a landmark Cooperative Agreement between the San Pedro Bay ports and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to support cleaner ships and trucks and expand charging and fueling infrastructure throughout the region.

Appointment of Michael ‘Mickey’ Chavez to the Los Angeles Harbor Commission.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles City Council has approved the appointment of Michael ‘Mickey’ Chavez to the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. Nominated by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Chavez is a long-time labor leader and member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). He succeeds departing Harbor Commissioner Edward Renwick.

The Los Angeles Harbor Commission oversees the management and operation of the Port of Los Angeles. The five-member Board is appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles and confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council. Commissioners serve as volunteers.

Source: Press Release

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