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Port of Los Angeles' AMP Program Receives U.S. EPA's 2005 Clean Air Excellence Award

Posted on: Wednesday, 5 April 2006, 15:00 CDT

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Port of Los Angeles as winner of the 2005 Clean Air Excellence Awards in the clean air technology category. The Port of Los Angeles was recognized for its Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) program, the world's first air quality program that focuses on reducing emissions from container ships while docked in port.

"We are ecstatic to receive this honor from the U.S. EPA," said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. "The Port of Los Angeles prides itself in being a forerunner in maritime clean air programs, and the AMP program is an ideal model to showcase innovative ways to rid the air of diesel emissions."

Since the AMP program's inception in June 2004, the Port of Los Angeles has received more than 50 vessel calls, eliminating more than 80 tons of pollutants from the air, with an average reduction of 95% in NOx, SOx, and PM(10) per vessel call.

Instead of burning diesel fuel, AMP-equipped ships plug in to shore-supplied electrical power while at berth in the Port. This technology is referred to as "cold ironing" in the maritime industry and has already been used for naval vessels, Baltic ferries and cruise ships operating in Alaska. The Port of Los Angeles is the first seaport in the world to use this technology for in-service container ships. The Port supports the program by installing the required AMP infrastructure and providing customer incentives to ensure the continued success of the program.

Selected from more than 100 projects submitted to the EPA, the Port's AMP program was selected for its impact, innovation and replicability.

The Clean Air Excellence Awards are sponsored by the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. Criteria for award-winning entries are programs, projects, or technologies that directly or indirectly (i.e., by encouraging actions) reduce emissions of criteria pollutants or hazardous/toxic air pollutants; are innovative and unique; provide a model for others to follow; and result in continuing, sustainable positive outcomes.

The five submission categories are clean air technology; community development/redevelopment; education/outreach; regulatory/policy innovations; and transportation efficiency innovations.

The Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading container port in the nation and a critical hub in the international supply chain, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion dollars in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles also places a high priority on responsible growth initiatives combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. The Port of Los Angeles is a proprietary, self-supported department of the City of Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port. A brighter future.

Source: Business Wire

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