Our port workers, warehouse managers, truckers, distributors, and retailers are still reeling from the avalanche of supply chain disruptions that contributed to record backlogs late last year. Now is not the time to impose a new rule capping port activity and stalling supply chain recovery. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles make our sea ports the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Together, they handle about 40% of all inbound containers for the entire nation.
This Friday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) will discuss whether to move forward with a burdensome ports regulation known as an Indirect Source Rule (ISR). It would dictate how the ports and their terminal operators work with trucks moving in and out of their facilities in a heavy-handed attempt to slash emissions. A similar regulation applying to warehouses was already passed by SCAQMD last year – it's estimated to kill 100,000 jobs over the next decade.
We're informing our members and activating our grassroots army even though our intel doesn't indicate SCAQMD board members will vote on the rule this week. We're speaking up now to get ahead of a possible vote. Direction may be given by the board to SCAQMD staff at Friday's meeting and we want to make sure our concerns are heard before they finalize next steps.
An ISR would put cap port activity, curbing Southern California's economic growth and the already stressed movement of goods nationwide. You remember what happened last year. We can't afford more backlogs. The rule would also impose significant costs on ports and terminal operators that will eventually be passed onto consumers, employees, and businesses.
The ports have been working diligently to reach California's aggressive emissions reduction goals without disrupting our fragile supply chain. In fact, the Ports have achieved a 90% reduction in diesel particulate matter – despite a 21% increase in cargo – since 2005 and are gearing up to invest $100 million into "clean" trucks.
Speak up today. Urge the SCAQMD board to stay out of the ports' way. Open their eyes to what's at stake for hard-working Californians if they pass another overly aggressive Indirect Source Rule.
Thank you for using your voice and platform to protect our economic vitality. If you have any questions, please contact sarah.wiltfong@bizfed.org.
In your corner,
Tracy Hernandez
Founding CEO, BizFed
BizFed launched in 2008 and now unites more than 245 diverse business organizations. BizFed’s 150 investors include micro-businesses to iconic brands and institutions.