01365565

Component

In the fall of 2006 the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles announced the establishment of the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). Its intent was to greatly accelerate emissions reductions from port activities. The CAAP was unprecedented in several ways: it was a voluntary agreement between two competing ports; it was achieved with the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies; it promised large particulate emissions reductions along with continued port growth, and it had a price tag of $2.1 billion. What explains the Ports’ decision to implement CAAP? A case study was conducted to explore alternative explanations based on theories of firm behavior. Using data from interviews, media, and the history of events leading up to the CAAP, it was found that the CAAP was a response to social and political pressures that had built up over the previous decade. Its intent was to respond to local concerns and reduce opposition to port growth. The CAAP represents a powerful example of the potential of voluntary regulation to solve environmental problems. The circumstances that led to the CAAP were quite unique. While similar programs may emerge in other places, they are unlikely to be as comprehensive or aggressive as the CAAP.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AW030(1) AW030 Paper Review Subcommittee

01362476

12-2628

English

22p

2012

Transportation Research Board 91st Annual Meeting

Digital/other

References; Tables

Air quality management; Case studies; Environmental policy; Interorganizational relations; Ports; Regulation

Port of Long Beach; Port of Los Angeles

Corporate responsibility

Environment; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Policy; I15: Environment

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2012 Paper #12-2628

PRP, TRIS, TRB

Feb 8 2012 5:10PM