AIR pollution from operations at the Port of Los Angeles is at its lowest level since 2005 when the Port began tracking emissions from all sources moving cargo through its gateway.

The Port's 2023 Inventory of Air Emissions shows increased turnover of trucks and locomotives to newer, cleaner models; wider use of renewable diesel to power terminal equipment, locomotives and harbour craft; and ongoing efficiency measures resulting in more fluid cargo operations are driving the latest clean air gains at the nation's busiest container port.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, said: "This news is a step in the right direction as we continue our momentum toward building a greener Los Angeles, which is possible by locking arms with industry and those who work at the Port each and every day.

"The Port is cutting pollution while driving the economy forward - forty per cent of all US imports come in through the Port and tens of millions of people depend on the Port's success every day. The communities around the Port and every person in Los Angeles deserves clean air and we will continue building on this progress."

The 2023 findings show diesel particulate matter (DPM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx) from ships, trains, trucks, harbour craft and off-road terminal equipment are down 91 per cent, 74 per cent and 98 per cent respectively since 2005. Since last year's inventory, DPM, NOx and SOx fell 24 per cent, 29 per cent and 40 per cent.

"To put this data in perspective, we are down to the last 9 per cent of diesel particulate matter and the last 2 per cent of sulphur oxides from anything with an engine that moves cargo through our gateway," said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.

"While what remains of these and other pollutants are the toughest to eliminate, we continue to partner with all our stakeholders to drive emissions down to zero."