Port Rolls Out Another 100 Clean Trucks
New big-rigs include 98 liquefied natural gas-powered models

July 17, 2009

As part of the ongoing replacement of older trucks with new, cleaner models, the Port of Long Beach recently awarded subsidies for 100 new trucks, of which 98 were alternatively fueled liquefied natural gas (LNG) models. The trucks will add to a growing local fleet of less polluting vehicles which, under the Port's Clean Trucks Program, will reduce truck-related air pollution by 80 percent by 2012.

Since the program began in late 2008, nearly 5,000 "clean" trucks have registered to work at the Port. The clean trucks now carry more than half of cargo containers in and out of the Port. By 2012, trucks that do not meet the strict 2007 federal "clean" truck emission standards will be banned from the ports. While a majority of the older trucks are being replaced by private industry, Port and state bond money are also helping to speed the turnover, particularly to alternative fuels.

The 100 new truck subsidies were awarded through a lottery on July 7 from more than 1,200 applicants that included trucking companies and independent operators. The companies and drivers are being contacted to confirm their orders. At least half of the LNG trucks will be delivered in the next week or so.

The Port of Long Beach Board Committee also approved entering into an agreement with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board to distribute $46.5 million in Proposition 1B money, the 2006 statewide transportation measure, to subsidize more clean truck purchases.

Upon full execution of the final agreement the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports as well as AQMD will supplement the funds with at least another $5 million each. The new funds will put as many as 1,000 clean trucks on the roads including up to 500 LNG fueled trucks.

The AQMD will manage the new grants program. The deadline for submission of applications is July 24. For more information on how to apply, please visit http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/Implementation/Prop1B.htm

Additional information is available by calling the Port's Clean Trucks hotline at 866-721-5686 and on the web at http://www.polb.com/cleantrucks.

Contact: - Art Wong, Port Assistant Director of Communications, (562) 590-4123 office, (526) 619-5665 cell, or wong@polb.com.