Dear John,

Last week, I joined officials at the Port of Los Angeles to discuss the steps necessary to reduce emissions and achieve a net-zero supply chain.

Earlier this year, I published a report on the air quality in our district. This report examines the high levels of air pollution in our community and the effects that this air pollution has on our health, education, and economy. From my report:

“Riverside is unique in that a large source of pollutants are derived from the westerly sea-breeze that transports aerosols from Los Angeles to the Inland Empire.

The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are major sources of emissions that ultimately travel towards the Inland Empire and get trapped in the region due to the natural topography that forms a basin.

Activities such as ships traveling in and out of port, loading and unloading, drayage, and trucking activities emit large amounts of particulate matter and nitrous oxides, a precursor to ozone, which can end up in the Inland Empire.”

READ THE FULL AIR QUALITY REPORT HERE

I was proud to cast my vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act last year - the most significant climate legislation in U.S. History. One program within this legislation allocates $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and technology and to help ports develop climate action plans to reduce air pollutants.

I spent time at the Port of Los Angeles discussing this funding which will ensure a cleaner environment for the 39^th District and Southern California. I was pleased to learn about the Port’s Clean Air Action Plan which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port sources to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CLEAN PORT PROGRAM HERE

I am looking forward to assisting port leaders make the necessary upgrades to further reduce emissions, and I am committed to finding other ways to reduce air pollution and protect our environment for generations to come.

As always, please stay in touch regarding issues that concern you and your family

Sincerely,

Mark Takano

Member of Congress