Long Beach Adopts Energy Policy Aimed at Promoting Innovation, Efficiency and Conservation

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has unanimously approved an energy policy designed to guide efforts by the Port of Long Beach to secure a more sustainable and resilient supply of power.

The energy policy declares that the port will implement measures to increase efficiency, conservation, resiliency and renewable energy in collaboration with port tenants, utilities, other Long Beach city departments, industry stakeholders, labor unions, the Port of Los Angeles and others.

The energy policy was created in anticipation of increasing demand for electricity at the port with air quality improvement programs. In 2005, the harbor commission adopted a "Green Port Policy," which set down the tenets that have guided the port’s environmental programs such as the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, a joint agreement with the Port of Los Angeles to improve air quality.

In coming years, air quality efforts will continue to fuel demand for electricity at the port, as will the introduction of marine terminal equipment that runs on electricity rather than diesel fuel. The program will also look at improving ways to keep the port operating in the event of a crisis that could impact the flow of electricity.

"Just as our environmental initiatives have changed the way we think about construction, operations, maintenance and properties, this energy policy adds another lens we look through when making decisions as it relates to energy in the future," said Richard Cameron, the port’s director of environmental planning. "We want to be efficient and we want to be innovative, because this keeps us competitive."

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
W: www.aapa-ports.org