The South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board Friday expanded conditions under a landmark agreement with the twin ports of San Pedro, adding three new actions designed to reduce emissions from goods movement.
In a unanimous vote, the board approved an addendum to a cooperation agreement between AQMD and the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles signed in December 2025. The update adds new incentives for cleaner ships and zero-emission trucks, as well as a $40 million investment in regional charging infrastructure.
The addendum outlines enforceable deadlines and financial consequences if milestones are not met. Public transparency and engagement are also required, consisting of public review of new programs, pubic meetings and annual reporting to track progress.
The original agreement established a framework for advancing zero-emission infrastructure at the ports, such as the deployment of zero-emission technologies for cargo handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains and ships.
“Delivering a cleaner goods movement future requires meaningful action,” South Coast AQMD Governing Board Chair Michael A. Cacciotti said in a statement. “The new commitments approved today will help advance the cleanest solutions for the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere that will deliver air quality improvements for the communities surrounding our ports.”
The updated agreement includes the following new actions:
— Enhanced Clean Ship Incentive Program, providing increased rewards for companies to increase port calls using environmental-friendly ships and other vessels;
— Zero-Emission Truck Utilization Incentive Program, providing new incentives for zero-emission trucks for visits or activity at the ports; and
— $40 million toward regional charging and fueling infrastructure, with each port providing $20 million to fund such projects. AQMD will manage project selection, funding and implementation of the program.
The addendum must be approved by the boards of harbor commissioners for both ports before they can be executed. These approvals are expected to occur over the next several weeks, according to AQMD.
“Today, the Port of Los Angeles has the lowest pollution footprint per container move since measurements began more than two decades ago,” Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “This next phase of the cooperative agreement, pending Harbor Commission approval, builds on our success by focusing on the infrastructure and incentives that will help accelerate the transition to zero-emission goods movement.”
In a similar statement, Port of Long beach CEO Noel Hacegaba agreed the addendum will strengthen their commitment to cleaner air across the South Coast Air Basin.