Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program is another source of funding for port-related infrastructure projects, with $230 million awarded in 2023. This program can help ports upgrade facilities to accommodate larger vessels, improve cargo handling efficiency, and reduce emissions by electrifying equipment.
Cleaning up the roads
Ports are just one piece of the freight puzzle; many emissions come from trucks traveling to and from distribution centers, rail yards, and other facilities. These vehicles are a significant source of pollution in neighborhoods like McKinley Park, where diesel trucks rumble past homes, schools, and parks every day.
There are several strategies for reducing truck emissions:
Electrification: Transitioning medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to electric power can greatly reduce harmful emissions. The Clean Diesel Program provides grants to replace or retrofit older diesel engines with cleaner technologies, including electric powertrains. These grants are especially important for smaller trucking companies or owner-operators who may not have the capital to invest in new vehicles.
Logistics optimization: Efficient routing and scheduling can reduce the number of miles traveled and the amount of time vehicles spend idling in traffic. Technologies like GPS tracking and traffic alerts can help trucking companies plan more efficient routes and avoid congestion.
Public transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation for freight movement can reduce the number of trucks on the road and lower emissions. Rail and water transport are often more energy-efficient and less polluting than trucks, especially for long-distance shipments.
By implementing these strategies, governments can help reduce the impact of freight transportation on human health and the environment. Community organizations like the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice and the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project are also vital partners in advocating for cleaner freight systems and holding government agencies and private companies accountable for their emissions.
As consumers, we can also make a difference by supporting companies that prioritize sustainability in their supply chains and transportation practices. By choosing products that are shipped using electric vehicles or other low-emission methods, we can help drive demand for cleaner freight solutions.
The freight system is a critical part of our economy, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of public health and the environment. By working together to implement cleaner technologies and practices, we can build a more sustainable and equitable freight system for the future.
about the impact of freight transportation on human health and the environment.
These measures are part of the Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) program, which is overseen by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. This innovative program is a step in the right direction towards reducing pollution from warehouses and improving air quality in communities that are disproportionately impacted by pollution.
Zero-emission delivery vehicles and drones: As packages leave the warehouse for their final destination, there are opportunities to reduce emissions from delivery vehicles. Electric delivery vans, trucks, and drones are becoming more common as companies seek to lower their carbon footprint and meet emissions regulations.
Companies like Amazon and FedEx have announced plans to electrify their delivery fleets, while startups like BrightDrop are providing electric vans specifically designed for last-mile delivery.
Drone delivery is also emerging as a promising technology that can reduce emissions and congestion in urban areas. Companies like Wing and UPS are testing drone delivery services in various locations around the world, with the potential to revolutionize the way goods are delivered.
Conclusion
The transportation sector plays a significant role in contributing to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. By electrifying trucks, improving charging infrastructure, and implementing regulations to reduce emissions from warehouses and delivery vehicles, we can make significant progress towards a cleaner and healthier future.
Initiatives like the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program administered by the Department of Transportation are critical in supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles and improving air quality in communities across the country. As we continue to invest in clean transportation solutions, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly freight system that benefits both people and the planet.
UCS and local advocates are pushing for the implementation of a similar rule in New York known as the Clean Deliveries Act. This act aims to address the pollution caused by warehouses and the trucks that they attract, by implementing regulations that control emissions from these sources.
These regulations, also known as “indirect source rules,” are recognized in the federal Clean Air Act. While trucks are the direct source of pollution near warehouses, it is the concentration of trucks in one area due to the presence of warehouses that makes the warehouse the “indirect source” of pollution.
One significant aspect of the Clean Deliveries Act is the focus on clean delivery vehicles. With federal and state regulations in place, there is the potential for as many as 250,000 zero-emission “light heavy duty” vehicles like delivery vans to be on the road. Delivery vehicles are leading the way in electrification due to the clear business case for their use. Daily routes are typically under 100 miles, well within the range of current electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure can be integrated into centralized distribution centers.
Curb management and land use play a crucial role in reducing the impact of deliveries in urban areas. Cities like New York City are incentivizing night deliveries and building infrastructure to support the use of electric cargo bikes for “last mile” delivery, further reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
Advocates have been working diligently to push for a freight system that benefits everyone. The lack of urgency from government in addressing the harms of the current freight system has prompted grassroots efforts to address the issues. Collaborative efforts between organizations like UCS, the Moving Forward Network, and local groups have led to the implementation of rules, laws, grants, and commitments aimed at making the freight system cleaner and safer.
However, these efforts are facing challenges from the Trump administration, which is attempting to roll back federal vehicle regulations and limit states’ ability to control pollution from cars and trucks. Despite these challenges, advocates are working to defend against these attacks and emphasize the power that states, local governments, and port districts have in cleaning up the ports, warehouses, and trucks that contribute to pollution in communities.
By working together and leveraging expertise within impacted communities, lawmakers and public agencies can take meaningful action to address the harmful impacts of the expanding freight transportation system. The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has brought about unprecedented changes in almost every aspect of daily life. From business closures to travel restrictions, the world as we know it has been turned upside down. One industry that has been significantly impacted by the pandemic is the entertainment industry.
The entertainment industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, including film, television, music, theater, and live events. With social distancing measures and lockdowns in place, many of these sectors have had to come to a screeching halt. Film and television productions have been put on hold, concerts and music festivals have been canceled, and theaters have been shuttered.
One of the biggest challenges facing the entertainment industry during this time is how to adapt to the new normal. With mass gatherings prohibited and social distancing guidelines in place, traditional forms of entertainment have had to find new ways to reach audiences. Many film and television productions have turned to remote filming and virtual meetings to continue their work. Live events have been replaced with virtual concerts and online streaming platforms.
Despite these challenges, the entertainment industry has shown remarkable resilience and creativity in navigating these uncertain times. Many artists and performers have turned to social media to connect with their fans and share their work. Virtual concerts have become the new norm, with artists performing from their living rooms and streaming their shows online for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have seen a surge in popularity as people turn to at-home entertainment options. With movie theaters closed, many studios have chosen to release new films directly to streaming platforms, allowing audiences to enjoy the latest releases from the safety of their own homes.
While the entertainment industry has certainly faced its fair share of challenges during the pandemic, it has also provided a much-needed source of comfort and distraction for people around the world. From binge-watching the latest TV series to tuning in to virtual concerts, entertainment has played a crucial role in helping people cope with the uncertainty and stress of the current situation.
As the world begins to slowly reopen and adjust to the new normal, the entertainment industry will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of audiences. Whether it’s through innovative virtual events or new ways of producing content, the entertainment industry will undoubtedly play a key role in helping people come together and find joy in the midst of a challenging time.
