​Something to do about health, safety and saving lives

State of California Environmental Protection Agency and the AIR RESOURCES BOARD FINAL Emission Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement in California BOARD APPROVAL On April 20, 2006, the Air Resources Board (Board) considered the Proposed Emission Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement in California, together with public testimony and staff’s recommendation for action. The Board adopted Resolution 06-14 approving the Proposed Plan, with one addition to the list of goals stated in the Proposed Plan to protect public health from the impacts of ports and goods 
movement operations. As shown below, the new fifth goal emphasizes the importance of protecting communities near ports, rail yards, freeways, and distribution centers. 

Plan Goals: 

1. Reduce total statewide international and domestic goods movement emissions to the greatest extent possible and at least back to 2001 levels by year 2010.

2. Reduce the statewide diesel PM health risk from international and domestic goods movement 85 percent by year 2020. 

3. Reduce NOx emissions from international goods movement in the South Coast 30 percent from projected year 2015 levels, and 50 percent from projected year 2020 levels based on preliminary targets for attaining federal air quality standards. 

4. Apply the emission reduction strategies for ports and goods movement statewide to aid all regions in attaining air quality standards. 

5. Make every feasible effort to reduce localized risk in communities adjacent to goods movement facilities as expeditiously as possible.

In 2009, the Port of Oakland committed to achieving an 85% reduction in seaport-related diesel health risk by 2020 from a 2005 baseline In just three years the Port of Oakland have already achieved a 70%reduction in particulate matter emissions, even though there has been an increase 3% in cargo handling from 2005.

Enclosing, can the Global Trade and Logistic Center or the proposed new Coal Terminal (OBOT) present any numbers of emission reduction planning. Can the terminal operator have any numbers on reduction of coal dust to the California Air Resources Board? Can the previous writer on the subject of coal trains has any research or data that would support making Oakland a City with cleaner air and healthier communities.