Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (April 2018)

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COLUMN OP/ED

California’s Zero-Emission

Domino Theory

By Thomas Jelenic

The Domino Theory was the Cold ports have reduced diesel particulate matter, a pollutant of

War concept that if communism ob- particular concern to local communities, between 76% to tained a foothold in a region – say Viet- 88%, depending on the port complex. That reduction is nam in Southeast Asia – other countries no mean feat. It translates to meaningful improvements in would soon fall like a perfectly aligned air quality and reductions in health risk. row of dominoes to communism (e.g., But part of the argument for being a green leader is that

Cambodia and Laos). Whether one sup- other ports will follow California’s example. The domi- ports the theory or not, it has at least one noes must fall at each port around the country and, when strong point: it was a simple story to tell. it happens, California will not stand alone. We will have

Jelenic

It feels like California has adopted its started the movement. Yet, to date, no has followed Cali- own version of the Domino Theory: if fornia’s green leadership; the dominoes remain upright.

California pushes the regulatory envelope for zero emis- No port outside of California requires or incentivizes the sions, other states and countries will certainly adopt simi- use of shore power for cargo vessels. No port has developed lar strategies. The narrative’s importance is that it counters a meaningful Clean Trucks Program to accelerate the turn- the argument that California is building a regulatory state over of drayage trucks. Those ports that do have green port that will leave it hamstrung with costs and uncompetitive programs on paper are letting time, rather than command- in a global marketplace. and-control regulation, do the heavy lifting. With time,

This zero-emission Domino Theory is on full display older, more polluting equipment is replaced with modern in California’s maritime industry where port authorities equipment that has the latest emissions control systems. and regulators are working to reduce emissions from port- This is the same strategy that has successfully reduced related activities. California port authorities have led the emissions from passenger vehicles across the country. In way in establishing themselves as global green port lead- addition to achieving the same emission reductions, the ers. It is a well-earned reputation. During the past decade, time approach also eliminates stranded asset costs and the need to incentivize equipment replacement saving billions.

As California ports look to further burnish their envi- ronmental credentials, they face a dif