The Port of Los Angeles’ http://www.portoflosangeles.org Clean Truck Program is now fully effective, and results are already being noticed. On January 1st, 1,473 of the Port’s short-haul fleet of 11,772 trucks retired from port service; each one of the 1,473 trucks had been deemed “dirty” for their harmful emissions.

The Port also concluded its $35 per TEU clean truck fee that had been collected for every gate that was moved for trucks that did not meet clean engine standards, which were implemented in 2007.

Throughout the past few years, the port has reduced sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions considerably—compared to 2005, emissions had dropped by 92 and 77 percent, respectively, in 2010.

“By cutting harmful diesel emissions, we are building a healthier Los Angeles,” says Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“The Port of Los Angeles, along with our industry partners, has made the business of moving cargo cleaner,” states Geraldine Knatz, executive director, Port of Los Angeles. “The results speak for themselves.”