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Los Angeles' Clean Trucks Program commemorates one-year anniversary
The Clean Trucks Program (CTP) at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is celebrating its one-year anniversary today.
The program was initiated in order to replace old vehicles serving the two ports with newer, cleaner automobiles in order to reduce emissions.
The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) reported that the CTP has eliminated the amount of emissions equal to that produced by 200,000 automobiles in the past year.
Diesel pollution like that produced by old trucks can lead to health problems - including cancer, asthma, respiratory ailments and premature death - in those who are frequently exposed to it, such as those who reside in communities surrounding the ports.
Martin Schlageter, campaign director for the CCA, called the program a "critical step in fixing…port trucking," but said "there is still more work to do to deploy the cleanest technologies."
An upcoming ban on old trucks, slated to take place on January 1, 2010, will ensure that nearly all of the trucks operating at the ports will meet 2007 emissions standards.
Associates and bachelors programs in environmental science may provide career opportunities for those interested in pollution reduction. The demand for specialists in this field is expected to grow by 25 percent over the next seven years. 
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