Freight Transport, Ports, and Rail

This page last reviewed March 20, 2013

Background:

The State of California, with the help of affected industries and other interested parties, is developing policies and programs to reduce congestion and to address the environmental impacts resulting from the growth in the movement of goods in California. Please note the following major topic areas, and consider joining one or more of the ARB's Freight Transport related e-mail lists.

		Sustainable Freight Transport Initiative ARB is guiding an effort to develop a Sustainable Freight Initiative that will outline the needs and steps to transform California's freight transport system to one that is more efficient and sustainable. This effort builds upon ARB air quality planning and modeling work that has shown the growing contribution of emissions from freight related sources and the need to transition to zero- and near-zero emission technologies over the next several decades. This strategy will be a collaborative effort with key partners in the fields of air quality, transportation and energy. Here you will find: upcoming events and links to additional information on complementary efforts.
		Prop. 1B: Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program The Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (Program) is a new partnership between the ARB and local agencies (like air districts, ports, and transportation agencies) to quickly reduce air pollution emissions and health risk from freight movement along California's trade corridors. Local agencies will provide financial incentives to owners of equipment used in freight movement to upgrade to cleaner technologies. Here you will find: Program summary information, Guidelines and meeting materials.
		Ports Activities In an effort to reduce emissions for port-related sources, ARB has regulatory activity on subjects including: Cargo Handling, Commercial Harbor Craft, Port Trucks, Ship Auxiliary and Main Engines, On-Board Incineration, Shore Power, and Vessel Speed Reduction. ARB has also developed Health Risk Assessments for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with the Port of Oakland assessment underway now.
		Rail Yard Activities These efforts include an agreement with Union Pacific and BNSF Railways to reduce locomotive emissions near rail yards and the development of new regulations to address on- and off-road vehicles at rail yards. Find here the: Rail Yard Agreement, Health Risk Assessments of Rail Yards, Locomotive Emissions, Complaint Filings, and Community Outreach efforts.
		Goods Movement Plans The Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency have partnered to bring all stakeholders together to discuss and address the movement of goods and reduction of their environmental impacts in California. Find here the Goods Movement Policy Statement, the 2007 Goods Movement Action Plan, and ARB's 2006 Emission Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement in California.

Related Links. See also ARB websites re: Diesel Activities, Community Health, and Mobile Sources Program.