Public Engagement

About

On November 7, 2025, the South Coast AQMD Governing Board approved the Cooperative Agreement with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The Cooperative Agreement prioritizes the development of zero-emission infrastructure at the Ports (similar focus of Proposed Rule 2304)—the first critical step towards eliminating emissions from cargo handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains, and ocean-going vessels and attaining clean air in the region. Under the agreement: 

• The Ports will develop comprehensive zero-emission Infrastructure Plans in three phases:
  • Phase 1 (by December 31, 2027) for cargo-handling equipment for container terminals and drayage trucks; 
  • Phase 2 (by December 31, 2028) for cargo-handling equipment for non-container terminals, local switcher locomotives, and harbor craft; and
  • Phase 3 (by December 31, 2029) for ocean-going vessels;
• Plans will include planning targets, key milestones, and public input;
• South Coast AQMD will verify progress through annual reports and regular reporting to its Governing Board on implementation and progress;
• Enforcement action for noncompliance is triggered if the Ports miss a plan development deadline or fail to complete a project milestone within their control;
• Penalties for noncompliance range from $50,000 to $200,000 per default and will be used towards projects benefiting near-port communities; and
• A 45-day exit clause is included to provide flexibility for either party to withdraw if necessary. 

The Cooperative Agreement was subsequently approved by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on November 10, 2025, and by the Los Angeles Board of Habor Commissioners on November 20, 2025. 

Next Steps

Additional measures to address specific emission sources such as terminal equipment, trains, trucks, and marine vessels will continue to be negotiated with a goal of bringing these measures to the Board for consideration in Spring 2026. The upcoming negotiations will focus on near-term actions (e.g., next 5 years), interim emission reductions, and facilitating actions for longer-term, more significant emission reductions. Staff will continue to solicit public input to inform development of these measures, including through: 

• Additional working group and community meetings;  
• Office hours; 
• AB 617 Community Steering Committee meetings; 
• Release of draft documents for public comment; and 
• Periodic updates to the Mobile Source Committee.