Best Clean Air Practices for Port Operations

Container ship harbored at port — Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust at and near ports is important for public health and the environment.

This page is one in a series of pages that provide information on best practices at ports to reduce diesel pollution and associated health impacts. Select another topic from menu above to explore other sector best clean air practices.

Ports are gateways of commerce and drivers of the United States economy. Port activity also affects air quality. Emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment operating at ports can pose health risks to nearby communities that are often comprised of low income and minority populations.

While the examples included in the pages in this section are not exhaustive, they are intended to highlight some of the more effective strategies that have been adopted by U.S. ports. The appropriateness and effectiveness of these strategies will vary for different ports based on many factors including type of operation, fleet makeup, local air quality and pollutant exposure, and community and port priorities.

An overview of each best practice and related technical resources, tips on collecting data and setting performance targets, and descriptions of real-world examples are available on the pages linked to below. Pages will be updated over time as new clean air practices emerge and information evolves.

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Best Clean Air Practices for Port Operations

Ports Initiative