The Port of Los Angeles has released figures on its progress in reducing pollution from all sources that move cargo through its gateway. The Port Authority’s Inventory of Air Emissions, released October 16, reports that, in 2024, when the port saw a 19% year-over-year increase in container volume, it recorded its best year ever for reducing emissions on a per container basis.  

The Port said that, since 2005, it has cut overall emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 90%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 98% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 73%. For every 10,000 containers, emissions of DPM, SOx and NOx are down 93%, 99% and 81%, respectively. 

“Thanks to our core strategies, we continue to see the significant long-term air quality gains we have achieved with our partners and programs,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard.  

“Two decades ago, we made a commitment to grow green,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The report shows we are doing just that – moving cargo more sustainably than ever, while driving cargo volume increases.” 

Each year, the Port inventories air pollution from ships, trucks, trains, harbor craft and cargo-handling equipment to measure the results of its clean air strategies and programs. The Port also evaluates its progress on a per-container basis to analyze the efficiency of its pollution reduction initiatives. The new report is based on trade activity during calendar year 2024. 

In addition to ground-level pollution, the Port’s clean air strategies target greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change. Overall, Port measures have resulted in an 18% reduction in GHGs since 2005. On a per container basis, GHGs are down 40%.  

The Port also tracks its near-term progress. Since 2017, when the Port updated its Clean Air Action Plan, emissions of DPM, NOx, SOx and GHGs are down 12%, 34%, 24% and 6%, respectively.  

Prior to the annual Inventory’s release, regional, state and federal air regulatory agencies review the data and findings.