Port of San Diego Earns High Marks for Clean Air Leadership in National Environmental Grading
Contact: Gabriella Rodriguez, 619.904.2137, grodriguez@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego has earned high marks for its leadership in clean air and community collaboration, according to a new national grading of U.S. ports’ environmental performance, The Clean Ports Report Card. The Port was recognized for its strong emissions reporting, clear clean-air goals, and measurable actions to reduce pollution – achievements closely aligned with the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS).
The national evaluation was launched by a coalition of community and national groups. Ports across the United States were assessed in four key categories: Emissions Inventory, Clean Air Planning, Emissions Reduction Actions, and Community Engagement and Collaboration. Each port was rated on a five-tier scale ranging from “Long Way to Go” to “Gold Standard.”
The Port of San Diego received scores reflecting its continued progress toward cleaner operations and transparent environmental management, earning an overall rating of 80.9% or “Rising Star,” the highest among all the ports that participated.
“Through initiatives like the Maritime Clean Air Strategy, we’re taking measurable action to reduce emissions and deliver meaningful environmental benefits to all who live, work and play on and around San Diego Bay,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The MCAS is built on the willingness of our Board, tenants, and the community to collaborate and make San Diego a shining example of what a sustainable and clean working waterfront can achieve.”
Many of the Port’s highest-scoring initiatives stem from its Maritime Clean Air Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap adopted to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from maritime operations to nearly zero by 2030.
In the Emissions Inventory category, the Port earned praise for maintaining a comprehensive and publicly available emissions inventory that follows federal reporting guidelines. The Port’s Clean Air Planning category reflected strong and specific emission-reduction goals, supported by quantifiable targets and timelines.
Under Emissions Reduction Actions, the Port continues to implement large-scale clean air projects, including the transition to zero-emission cargo handling equipment, shore power expansion for vessels, and support for cleaner drayage trucks and harbor craft.
The Port also scored well in Community Engagement and Collaboration, recognizing its inclusive approach to planning and environmental decision-making. Through ongoing community partnerships, the Port ensures residents, especially those in nearby neighborhoods most impacted by port activity, have a voice in shaping clean air priorities.
The Port of San Diego remains committed to reducing emissions, protecting public health, and fostering an environmentally sustainable waterfront. The recent Clean Ports Report Card provides an independent validation of the Port’s progress and a benchmark for future improvement.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO ENVIRONMENT
Port of San Diego Environment champions the safekeeping and environmental care of our diverse ecosystems. Year after year, environmental goals are set and measured to evolve environmental initiatives – ensuring San Diego Bay remains a vibrant resource and contributes to a remarkable way of life for visitors and residents for generations to come.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO MARITIME
Port of San Diego Maritime is our gateway to the world—leading our working waterfront and facilitating the movement of goods and people, internationally and domestically.
Port Maritime businesses employ thousands of residents and generate billions of dollars per year for the regional economy, creating a prosperous global economic engine for all.