shipping blues cover port labor environment issues

As the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach grow, so does the need to store containers. “Container creep” occurs as container storage moves into or near residential neighborhoods such as this one in Wilmington.

In the neighborhoods near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, residents and workers are on the front lines of the nation’s busiest port. The price they pay for robust global trade includes diesel exhaust, noise, blight, traffic congestion and contaminated air, water and land—problems that waft over the rest of the L.A. Basin, raising health risks throughout the region. But a Sierra Club task force sees some glimmer of hope for a new harbor vision.

Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal sponsors bill to cut down on diesel truck pollution.
Southern Sierran
July 2002

Large shipping companies win with lax code enforcement and non-union labor. Everyone else loses.
Southern Sierran
July 2002

When labor activists
and green groups cooperate,
both sides win.
Southern Sierran
July 2002

San Pedro neighborhood council member sets sight on a wetland restoration and bikepath beautification.
Southern Sierran
July 2002

A toxic air follows shipping lines over Southern California. Diesel fumes cause most of the cancer risk from.
Southern Sierran
April 2001