Air pollutants generated by California's cargo industry will result in about 750 premature deaths this year and tens of billions of dollars in related healthcare costs over the next 15 years, a new study concludes.
Diesel-burning ships, trains and trucks tied to the state's explosive international trade industry, concentrated mostly around major seaports such as the Los Angeles-Long Beach complex, are largely responsible for the pollution problem, according to the study by the state Air Resources Board staff.
Healthcare costs this year alone linked to transportation emissions are estimated at $6.3 billion and could total $70 billion by 2020.
"Californians who live near ports, rail yards and along high-traffic corridors are subsidizing the goods-movement sector with their health," the study warns.
The report is the first of its kind to document and assess the illnesses linked to freight movement in California. It also proposes a wide-ranging $3-billion to $6-billion pollution-reduction plan through 2020, including requiring diesel-electric hybrid engines and cleaner-burning fuels. New policies would also be needed to halt emissions growth.
The study sets four specific goals:
* Reduce cargo-related pollution levels to 2001 levels by 2010.
* Continue to roll back pollution levels so they meet state standards.
* Slash diesel-related health risks 85% by 2020.
* Ensure that adequate pollution cuts occur in specific communities affected by pollution.
The study is part of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign to boost the state's cargo industry by rebuilding aging roads and other infrastructure. Schwarzenegger has said his proposed public works program could be financed with a $50-billion bond sale.
Local business leaders have expressed concern that the pollution problem could stymie growth in a region increasingly dependent on international trade, primarily from China and other Asian countries.
Wally Baker, a senior vice president at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., said companies that ship goods should help find a solution.
"Retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers have to believe that solving this problem is their responsibility," Baker said. "They can demand that their vendors get in a room and figure this out. They haven't, and that's wrong."
Industry and environmental representatives had mixed reactions to the report, with some wondering how the state could achieve the pollution curbs needed to protect human health.
