Senate committee approves collaborative planning bill for ports amid dispute with air district

Senator Richardson introduced SB 34, which would require the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach to prepare assessments on energy demand and supply, costs, funding sources, workforce impacts and environmental considerations related to goods‑movement decarbonization.

Marvin Pineda of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union said the ports and longshore workers have delivered large reductions in particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions and support a collaborative planning process: "Our collective efforts have resulted in impressive accomplishments... We are for clean air." Mike Jacob of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association said SB 34 establishes a collaborative process to plan investments and maintain competitiveness while pursuing voluntary zero‑emission goals.

Opponents, led by Sarah Reese of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, testified in strong opposition. Reese said the district is responsible for the region with the nation's worst air quality and that the bill would unduly limit the district's toolbox: "This is a bill that would tie the hands of South Coast AQMD from addressing the largest source of smog forming emissions in any way for a staggering 11 years." Community and environmental groups also testified that voluntary port programs have not produced required emissions reductions and urged retaining the air district's regulatory authority.

Senator Richardson said the bill would preserve the ability to meet zero‑emission goals while requiring stakeholder coordination, extensions where needed and recognition that vessel emissions fall under federal or non‑local authority. After debate, the committee voted to send SB 34 to Appropriations as amended. The roll call recorded the motion passing 13‑0; the committee left the measure "on call" for absent members.