Retailers, motor carriers and environmentalists have joined forces in the Southeast to develop a clean-air initiative to reduce harmful emissions from harbor trucks.
The Coalition for Responsible Transportation anticipates expanding the program to container ports throughout the United States. The coalition made its announcement at a recent conference of the South Atlantic and Caribbean Ports Association.
"This collaborative effort is a critical first step toward addressing air pollution released from heavy-duty diesel trucks, traditionally one of the largest sources of pollution at ports," said Dr. Elena Craft, a toxicologist at the Environmental Defense Fund.
Some retailers such as Lowes have corporate policies that emphasize reducing greenhouse gases and diesel emissions. The Coalition for Responsible Transportation takes this effort to the harbors where goods are imported and exported.
"This initiative allows retailers to make cleaner and more efficient transportation choices," said Steve Palmer, vice president of transportation at Lowes.
The initiative provides a framework for the private sector in which motor carriers and shippers can work with ports to develop programs that meet their individual needs. The coalition members will work with the ports individually to identify opportunities to reduce harmful diesel pollution for the benefit of the surrounding communities.
An effective clean-trucks program will allow container ports to grow while at the same time reducing harmful emissions from drayage trucks.
