Ports
Port pollution exacts a large toll on millions of people in the region, with those closest to the ports bearing the brunt of the harms and toxic emissions. The two largest container ports in the United States are in the Wilmington-Carson-West Long Beach area. The harmful impacts from these two ports are growing, as they continue to see record-breaking volumes of cargo, bringing even more emissions-spewing ships and trucks into neighborhoods. In particular, the ships and trucks at the ports emit harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that contribute to smog formation and harm people’s health.
Port of Long Beach. Credit: H. Albergman/Getty Images
AQMD must implement an Indirect Source Rule that will help to clean up pollution at the ports. East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice (East Yard) is an environmental health and justice non-profit organization working towards a safe and healthy environment for communities that are disproportionately suffering the negative impacts of industrial pollution. East Yard is advocating for an Indirect Source Rule for the ports. Find out more about East Yard’s work on their website.
Members of East Yard and the Moving Forward Network taking part in a protest off the coast of Long Beach. Credit: East Yard.
