Port Support of Clean Air Affordable for Truck Drivers

Recently Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton and Commissioner Rob Holland worked together to develop a resolution to get the Port focused on clean air and clean trade goals that exceeded the federal mandates.

The resulting resolution that was unanimously adopted by the commission is expected to result in cleaner truck engines. Per Commissioner Tarleton, "Ships will burn cleaner fuels while tied up at the dock. Truck drivers will get much-needed relief through a joint truck insurance pool and a clean fuels rebate program that the Port is activating. And the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will monitor air quality data to determine whether our programs to reduce diesel particulates are effective."

"We'll get to cleaner air faster than anyone in the nation. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency fully endorses this approach" she added.

The motion is for modifications to the Northwest Ports Clean Air strategy that was adopted in 2008. The strategy, establishes emissions reduction goals for ocean-going vessels, cargo-handling equipment, trucks, and rail.

There are many beneficiaries of this program. The communities immediately surrounding the Port will benefit from the reduction in diesel exhaust.

• Businesses are more likely to locate in an area where air pollution is not a concern
• Lowered health care costs associated with clean air
• Greater property values

This could have been a battle between business interests and the physical health of the community. Instead, good thinking people created an opportunity for business interests to have a stake in and benefit from a healthier environment.

Read the full text of the Port announcement.