This initiative follows a 2008 incentive program that put into service more than 2,200 trucks that currently meet or exceed 2007 US EPA emission standards. Since the launch of the Clean Truck Program on 1 October 2008, pollution at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex has been reduced by more than 23%, according to the Commission.

Our goal is to put 1,000 alternative fuel trucks into service through our 2009 Clean Truck Incentive Program, and the funding our board just approved is a major step in that direction. Natural Gas technologies offer a variety of environmental benefits that make them a good fit for drayage in this market. Through this program we will help truck operators purchase alternative fuel trucks and continue our aggressive efforts to reduce port truck emissions.

—Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D.

The funds will be used to offer concessionaires in the Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program (CTP) incentives of up to $80,000 for each LNG or CNG truck they purchase. Port terminal operators or concessionaires can also receive up to 80% of negotiated cost for each electric truck they purchase for terminal or drayage truck use.

Because the Port’s 1,000-truck goal for 2009 (900 LNG/CNG trucks and 100 electric trucks) will cost up to $100 million, the Port is applying for grants from the US Department of Energy, the California Air Resources Board, and the California Energy Commission. Within the next 30 days, the Port will publish program guidelines and will begin accepting letters of intent.