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Port of San Diego Asks For State Funding to Reduce Diesel Emissions

The Port of San Diego is moving ahead with plans to clean up the air at two port terminals. People living nearby have complained that diesel exhaust from trucks and ships increases their risk for heal

The Port of San Diego is moving ahead with plans to clean up the air at two port terminals. People living nearby have complained that diesel exhaust from trucks and ships increases their risk for health problems. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Port of San Diego is asking for state money to reduce diesel emissions at its terminals in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood and National City.

The Port is applying for a state grant to retrofit older-model trucks servicing the terminals. The retrofit reduces the amount of diesel particulates that foul the air. The Port is also working on a system to reduce emissions from cargo and cruise ships.

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The Port's Marguerite Elicone says another state grant would help pay for shore-side power for those vessels.

Elicone : Instead of sitting there with its engine running diesel fuel, it will have to shut off and plug into power that’s on the shore. So that it will be cleaner power instead of diesel fuel being emitted into the air.

She says state law will require Port's to have shore-side power by 2014. But Elicone says if the grant funds are approved the Port could install the system much sooner.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.