Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
MARCH 1, 2018
Preamble
REVISED Motion by:
HAHN, SOLIS, GARCIA, AND DUPONT-WALKER
Related to Item 5: I-710 South EIR/EIS Project
The 710 Freeway is a major transportation corridor not only for daily commuters, but also for freight movement from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the nation. While "goods movement" is a major economic driver for our region, it comes at a high cost for the many communities and residents along the 19 mile freeway. For many years, children and adults alike have suffered from serious health issues as a result of the pollution emitted by the trucks delivering freight inland, and neighborhoods have been severely impacted by congestion and traffic. This freeway is known as the "diesel death zone."
For 15 years, Metro has partnered with Caltrans, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, the Ports, the individual cities along the 710, community activists and others, to develop different 'alternatives' to re-imagine the 710 in a way that balances commerce and environmental responsibility.
There are now three alternatives for the Metro Board to choose from: "No Build", "5c" and "7." Both include a funding target of $100 million for the purchase of "Near Zero" (NZE) or "Zero" emission (ZE) trucks that would travel on the 710 corridor. Yet, according to AQMD, even taking into consideration either build alternative, "the region will need substantial additional emission reductions to attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards." Additionally, Metro has reported that greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions would be reduced by nearly the same levels for either alternative.
Dedicating the funding exclusively to "zero emission" technology once is available and requiring only ZE vehicles be allowed - once they are constructed - could improve air quality standards significantly. The technology for long haul trucks that would emit NO poisonous fumes is emerging quickly, as exhibited by leading ...
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