Pushing the freight transportation sector to adopt green technologies is the focus of a plan California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) unveiled recently.
The California Sustainable Freight Action Plan outlined goals to promote zero-emissions technology and cleaner air at urban and low-income areas near ports.
Overall, the plan calls for increasing system efficiency and capacity, improving safety and security, reducing exposure to air toxics, adopting greater air quality standards and supporting economic competitiveness.
The plan is being reviewed by the public and stakeholders before projects or funding are advanced. California's freight system generates 6% of the state’s greenhouse-gas emissions. The emissions are expected to increase if the action plan is not adopted, the plan’s authors indicated.
“Modernizing California’s freight transport system in a manner that improves safety and reduces pollution is essential to improve public health and meet our environmental imperatives,” according to the plan, published the week of July 25.
"This ‘Sustainable Freight Action Plan’ reflects an investment strategy that’s right for California: expand economic development, create jobs and protect our environment. The plan doesn't choose between these objectives, but proposes strategies to achieve them all. I look forward to turning this plan into action,” California State Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly said.
