Ports’ clean truck program appealed

The Federal Maritime Commission said Wednesday that it was investigating whether a clean truck replacement program at the nation’s busiest seaport complex violates the federal Shipping Act of 1984.

Next Wednesday, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are set to begin a landmark program to dramatically reduce truck pollution from cargo movement at the harbor. The maritime commission said it was looking at several aspects of the plan, including whether the port of Los Angeles would place unfair restrictions on truck drivers by requiring them to work for trucking companies instead of remaining independent owner-operators.

The ports released statements saying that they would cooperate with the investigation but also move ahead as planned with the first phase of the plan, which will eliminate trucks 20 years old and older.

-- Ronald D. White