West coast North American ports plan to restrict port pollution

Ports in the United States and Canada have joined to restrict port-related pollution by proposing a schedule of performance standards they hope to enforce on the west coast, according to a communique from the ports involved.
In a joint news release, the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver (US) and Vancouver (Canada), said they have proposed performance goals to reduce particulate matter by 70 per cent from ships at berth, and 30 per cent from cargo handling equipment.
The strategy proposes performance goals aimed at reducing diesel emissions and greenhouse gases from port-related sources including trucks and trains.
The ports plan to accomplish the emissions reduction for ships and cargo handling by 2010. "The strategy also will address emissions from port-related truck, train and harbour craft and includes long-term goals for additional reductions," the ports' statement said.
"The three ports have agreed to work together to cut maritime air emissions because the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin air shed is where we all live and breathe," said Tay Yoshitani, CEO of the Port of Seattle. "Working collaboratively is the best way to do the job."