Just one week after President Obama appointed Commissioner Joseph E. Brennan as acting chair of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the DC agency has reversed its positionon its lawsuit that sought to stop certain aspects of the Clean Truck initiatives underway at the Port of Los Angeles and neighboring Port of Long Beach. 

“We’ve been breathing this dirty air for too long, and our local officials need the tools to do something about it before more kids get sicker, said Silvia Martinez, a Long Beach resident whose daughter suffers from chronic symptoms related to exposure to diesel toxins. “The ports must be able to hold this industry accountable to clean up the pollution it creates, because residents, drivers and taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay the price.” Read more.

The FMC’s decision came just hours before Oakland residents obtained a much needed breath of fresh air.  Last night the Oakland Port Commission voted to ban dirty trucks from entering its port, concrete action and a solid first step to address the air pollution that affects both truck drivers and residents. Congratulations to our sister coalition, and keep following in LA’s footsteps!