SAN PEDRO – Senator Laura Richardson has introduced her first piece of legislation since being elected to the state senate Nov. 5, 2024.
Senate Bill 34 seeks to establish an intermodal goods movement stakeholder group for each specified port district throughout the state.
There are currently 12 ports in California: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hueneme, San Diego, West Sacramento, Humboldt Bay, Oakland, San Francisco, Redwood City, Richmond, Stockton and Benicia.
“Having agencies and stakeholders with vital knowledge of port operations is important to assist with new ideas and policies to help reduce emmisions,” said Sen. Richardson.
“Since the introduction of this bill, interested parties are coming together to find the right balance between continued productivity at the ports and ensuring that we are focused on our climate goals.”
The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are the largest in the nation.
California’s ports are a major economic generator for the United States. They handle a large portion of the country’s containerized imports and exports.
Existing law imposes various limitations on emissions of air contaminants for the control of air pollution from vehicular and nonvehicular sources and generally designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency with primary responsibility for the control of vehicular air pollution.
SB 34 would require the state board to establish an intermodal goods movement stakeholders group consisting of, among others, a member from each specified port district. By requiring a port district to participate in the group, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the group to develop a plan that specifies short-term thresholds of yellow, orange, and red for port emissions and specifies actions to be taken to reduce port emissions and port-related emissions when the thresholds are reached, as specified. The bill would require the group to submit a report to the Legislature, on or before January 31, 2027, with its findings, recommendations, and the plan.
The 24 member board would consist of (1) member of each of the International Longshore and Warehouse Unions (13, 63, 94 and Southern California District Council), (1) individual representing terminal and tenant operations, (1) individual representing ship and vessel operations, (1) individual representing rail and locomotive operations, (1) individual representing freight forwarders, as defined in Section 220 of the Public Utilities Code, (1) individual representing warehouse distribution centers, (1) individual representing the California Association of Port Authorities, (1) individual representing the Department of Transportation, (1) individual representing the state board, and (1) member from each of the 12 port districts.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.