Recent UpdatesAn updated version of the draft Cooperative Agreement is now available. This draft reflects areas where the negotiating teams for the Ports and South Coast AQMD have reached agreement. This update is the product of almost 45 days of negotiations and over 15 meetings. The public can now review and provide comments on the draft.
Key Highlights of the draft Agreement Include:
- Background and Purpose: Describes South Coast AQMD’s and the Ports’ roles, and shared goals and commitments to implement the Cooperative Agreement.
- Infrastructure Plan: Provides zero-emission infrastructure plan development at the Ports, South Coast AQMD role, public process, and enforcement of actions under the agreement.
Additionally, South Coast AQMD is releasing portions of a draft Board Resolution. The draft resolution lays out the timelines on future rulemaking, Board updates and progress reports. A public meeting will be scheduled in the next few weeks to provide updates and answer questions.
Background
The Cities and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles developed and proposed a draft Cooperative Agreement with South Coast AQMD. This proposal was submitted to the South Coast AQMD on July 18, 2025, intended by the Cities and the Ports as an alternative to Proposed Rule 2304 - Commercial Marine Ports. On August 1, 2025, the South Coast AQMD Governing Board directed staff to formally pause rulemaking until September 18 and during this period, negotiate with the Cities and the Ports on a potential Cooperative Agreement. If full consensus is not reached during the negotiation, South Coast AQMD staff is directed to resume rulemaking and release the "75-day rule package" for PR 2304 and its companion fee rule on September 19. South Coast AQMD staff aims to bring either the potential Cooperative Agreement and/or the rule proposals for Board consideration in December 2025 (subject to change). South Coast AQMD and Ports staff began twice-weekly negotiation discussions from August 7, with representatives from the respective Cities also engaged in the process.
Available Documents:
Past Meetings: