On Monday, March 9th, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are holding a joint commission meeting to consider adopting a Clean Truck Fund Rate.
This fund is part of the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan which established a goal of 100% zero-emission trucks by 2035. The revenue collected by this fee, which will be charged to the beneficial cargo owner, will generate $90 million in its first year and be used to incentivize cleaner trucks at the ports.
BizFed's Advocacy Committee and Executive Committee have agreed to cautiously SUPPORT the port staff recommendation of ONLY $10 per 20ft container ($20 per box) and OPPOSE any higher rate.
Port staff and commissioners are being pressured heavily by the environmental community to impose an even higher rate, as high as $50 per 20ft container (or $100 per box).
We CANNOT let this happen. The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach are already the two most expensive ports in the nation, having suffered nearly two decades of declining market share. Last year, Los Angeles/Long Beach was the only major port to experience a cargo decline in 2019. All other gateways posted robust cargo volumes.
If a high fee is set, all indicators show it will cause cargo to divert to other ports and recapturing diverted cargo is extraordinarily difficult.
We need you to come to the Harbor Commission meeting and let your voice be heard that we support a smaller fee.
MEETING DETAILS
WHAT: Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Commission Meeting on the Clean Truck Fund Rate
WHEN: Monday, March 9th, 9am
WHERE: Bob Foster Civic Chambers at Long Beach City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach 90802.
If you have any questions regarding this meeting or issue, please contact sarah.wiltfong@bizfed.org
Together we can make an impact!
