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Health Coalition Working to Lessen Port of San Diego Air Pollution

The Environmental Health Coalition is working with the Port of San Diego to clean up the air at port docks. Exhaust from diesel trucks and cruise ships spew toxic air in nearby neighborhoods. KPBS Env

The Environmental Health Coalition is working with the Port of San Diego to clean up the air at port docks. Exhaust from diesel trucks and cruise ships spew toxic air in nearby neighborhoods. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Tony LoPresti is with the National City-based Environmental Health Coalition. He says the coalition is working with the Port of San Diego to reduce pollution from port operations.

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LoPresti : But we do feel that it's absolutely essential given that the communities of Barrio Logan and National City have been shouldering this burden for so many years that they see some of the benefits that come from the clean air plan.

He says toxic emissions from Port operations harms people living and working in those neighborhoods. LoPresti says a statewide proposition passed last year sets aside money to improve air quality at state ports.

LoPresti : Ports have been hugely unregulated over the years and unfortunately they have become enormous contributors to air pollution in our state.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded the coalition a $50,000 grant. LoPresti says the money will help clean the air at the docks.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.

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