AQMD has committed $48m to help replace the older diesel trucks in addition to technology advancement projects such as the electric tractor. As part of the CAAP commitment, the Port has pledged at least $85m over the next five years for truck replacement and retrofits.

There are three main components to the project, which is due to be completed in seven months. These are development of a barebones chassis to test, completion of a chassis for initial road tests, and a demonstration phase.

The basic parameters of the project will be to develop an all-electric tow tractor that will have fast charging capabilities, a top speed of 25 mph, a range of 40 miles per charge, and sufficient torque and power to tow containers weighing up to 60,000 pounds.

The sweeping, five year Clean Air Action Plan is a blueprint for the ports to significantly reduce the health risks posed by air pollution from port related ships, trains, trucks, terminal equipment and harbour craft. Considered a ‘living document’, the plan allows or updating as new technologies and processes become available.

AQMD recently released its draft 2007 Air Quality Management Plan, which contains aggressive measures needed to achieve federal clean air standards in its region. The plan shows that emissions of smog forming nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds will have to be cut beyond the requirements in existing programmes by an additional 50% by 2020 to meet these standards. Since most of the pollution is generated by mobile sources, including trucks, trains and ships, the measures outlined in the CAAP are vital to AQMD’s efforts to meet air pollution standards and reduce residents’ health risks from air pollution.

MJ Information No: 22702