South Coast AQMD Approves Ports Decarbonization Addendum

The Los Angeles region saw a pivotal step in moving goods movement toward zero-emission operations on November 7, 2025, when the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board approved a landmark Cooperative Agreement with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The agreement, aimed at coordinating zero-emission infrastructure planning and deployment across the nation’s largest port complex, established a framework for electrifying and decarbonizing the core sources of port emissions—cargo-handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains, and ocean-going vessels. The approval marked a milestone in regional climate leadership, with parent port authorities committing to a joint path forward and South Coast AQMD taking on a central coordinating role, including annual reporting and enforceable milestones. The November 7 decision set the stage for a December 17, 2025 effective date, after which the parties could begin implementing the plan and tracking emissions reductions in a transparent, publicly accountable manner. This reporting line would ultimately evolve with a subsequent Addendum to the Cooperative Agreement, adopted on August 7, 2026, that adds measures and funding to accelerate their shared decarbonization goals. Governing Board approves landmark infrastructure agreement with ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, South Coast AQMD, November 7, 2025 (aqmd.gov)

The Ports’ joint approach has been framed as a comprehensive, data-driven push to accelerate zero-emission infrastructure across the San Pedro Bay complex. Port of Los Angeles leadership highlighted a program that has already yielded substantial air-quality gains and now seeks to scale that progress through market-based incentives, charging and fueling infrastructure, and a formal public-engagement process. The Port LA press release issued in August 2026 details an addendum that expands incentives for the cleanest oceangoing vessels, creates new incentives to boost zero-emission trucks, and directs significant funding toward regional charging and fueling infrastructure for zero-emission drayage trucks. The timing of these developments—initial agreement in 2025, followed by an addendum in 2026—reflects a rapid, structured evolution in port decarbonization policy and implementation. “Reducing pollution from the Port is not only keeping our port adjacent communities safe, but also helps the Los Angeles region achieve its ambitious climate goals,” remarked Mayor Karen Bass in the Port LA release, while the executive director of the Port, Gene Seroka, framed the addendum as a practical acceleration of zero-emission goods movement. (portoflosangeles.org)

Section 1: What Happened

November 2025: Governing Board Approves the Cooperative Agreement

The foundational step in the current port decarbonization initiative occurred on November 7, 2025, when the South Coast AQMD Governing Board voted to approve a Cooperative Agreement with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. This agreement establishes the framework for coordinated zero-emission infrastructure planning and the deployment of charging and fueling infrastructure across port facilities and related off-port areas. The Board’s action formalized a shared governance structure intended to drive emissions reductions from multiple port-source categories and set the stage for annual reporting and progress milestones. The agreement aligns with the region’s broader air-quality management strategy and with the Ports’ Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) lineage, while introducing a structured mechanism for cost sharing, accountability, and public engagement. The formal action was publicly documented in South Coast AQMD materials and is reflected in contemporaneous communications from the Ports and the district. An official narrative from the AQMD notes that the cooperative agreement was approved by the board on November 7, 2025, and subsequently endorsed by the harbor commissions of Long Beach and Los Angeles on November 10 and November 20, respectively, marking a unified, cross-agency commitment to the program. This initial approval is widely cited as the trigger for the agreement’s formal implementation as a regional decarbonization initiative. (aqmd.gov)

Key details emerging from the November 2025 decision indicate the agreement’s coverage across major port emission sources, including cargo-handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains, and oceangoing vessels, with a focus on building out a shared set of zero-emission infrastructure plans (ZE Plans). The comprehensive scope was designed to facilitate coordinated investments and capstone measures that would be implemented in phases, with annual reporting and milestones to ensure transparency and accountability. The Board’s action set a clear path for the ports to collaborate with South Coast AQMD to delineate responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and performance targets across the complex’s multi-jurisdictional footprint. In the months following the November 2025 approval, the parties advanced a final Cooperative Agreement that would become effective in December 2025, setting in motion the detailed plan and governance structure that would guide project selection, funding, and implementation. (aqmd.gov)

December 2025: Cooperative Agreement Goes Into Effect

The official effective date of the Cooperative Agreement—December 17, 2025—followed the November 2025 governing board action and formal endorsements by the port authorities. This timing is reflected in district materials and related summaries that describe the agreement as going into effect in December 2025, enabling the joint bodies to begin implementing the ZE infrastructure planning framework and to initiate the required annual reporting and performance milestones. The December 2025 start date is important because it marks the transition from negotiation and planning to active implementation, with the three parties commencing coordinated efforts to chart ZE infrastructure needs, public engagement processes, and cost-recovery mechanisms that would later be refined in the August 2026 addendum. The October/November 2025 period also featured ongoing public engagement and review processes as the parties shaped the program’s implementation pathway. (aqmd.gov)

August 7, 2026: Addendum to the Cooperative Agreement Approved

A year after the initial agreement took effect, South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board took action on an Addendum to the Cooperative Agreement. On August 7, 2026, the Board approved a proposed Addendum that adds three additional measures, formalizes cost-recovery provisions for the district’s administrative expenses, and directs the funding of “the Clean Air Mitigation Fund” in certain circumstances. The Board’s public hearing item explicitly framed this as a set of “later activity” measures that would fall within the scope of the district’s existing AQMP-related CEQA framework, with the intention of accelerating emissions reductions and expanding support for regional off-port charging and fueling infrastructure projects. The August 7, 2026 meeting agenda includes a dedicated public-hearing item titled: “Make CEQA Determinations for Proposed Cooperative Agreement Between South Coast AQMD and Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, Execute Cooperative Agreement Between South Coast AQMD and Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and Approve Supporting Budget Actions.” The agenda confirms the consideration of the Addendum and its CEQA implications, while the accompanying materials lay out the scope and rationale for the additional measures. (aqmd.gov)

The formal addendum package includes three primary measures designed to accelerate emissions reductions beyond the original agreement’s baseline. First, the Ports would enhance their current clean ship incentive programs to encourage port calls from the cleanest oceangoing vessels. Second, the package would establish and accelerate a new incentive program to increase the utilization of zero-emission trucks. Third, the addendum would allocate funds to South Coast AQMD for regional off-port zero-emission truck charging and fueling infrastructure projects, strengthening the broader regional charging network. These changes represent a strategic push to align port operations more closely with the district’s long-term decarbonization goals and to reduce heavy-duty truck emissions that are a major contributor to the South Coast Air Basin’s air quality challenges. The public-review framework accompanying these proposed measures requires a draft addendum be released for a minimum 45-day public period with at least one public meeting to summarize the key elements and respond to public comments. The CEQA review pathway for the addendum was laid out in the CEQA documents, with a Notice of Determination signaling the agency’s CEQA conclusions. The public process and CEQA determinations are described in the official notices and the addendum’s documentation. (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov)

The August 7, 2026 Board agenda and related materials show the Board’s readiness to move forward with the Addendum as a “later activity” within the AQMP framework, while also acknowledging cost-recovery mechanics. The March through June 2026 period featured multiple staff reviews, public-engagement sessions, and revisions to the draft addendum, culminating in a formal determination that the addendum’s measures would not require new environmental documentation beyond the existing CEQA framework. The formal adoption of the Addendum on August 7, 2026, and the subsequent approval by the Port of Los Angeles’ Harbor Commission on August 13, 2026, reflects a coordinated, multi-agency effort to accelerate the port complex’s decarbonization across multiple governance levels. A parallel development was the Port LA press release announcing the addendum’s adoption and the planned funding for regional charging infrastructure, which highlighted the three new measures and the $20 million allocation toward regional charging and fueling infrastructure (with Long Beach following suit on its end). This multi-entity approval sequence illustrates an integrated approach to decarbonization that depends on both policy alignment and coordinated funding. (aqmd.gov)

Section 2: Why It Matters

The Broader Context for Port Decarbonization

The South Coast AQMD’s collaboration with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles sits at the center of a broader push to decarbonize major freight corridors in Southern California. The ports have already demonstrated substantial progress through their Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) initiatives, with documented reductions in diesel particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides over the past two decades. The new addendum accelerates those gains by formalizing incentives for the cleanest ships and the zero-emission trucking fleet, while leveraging a dedicated funding stream to support off-port charging infrastructure that will enable trucks to operate with zero-emission power beyond terminal gates. The combined policy-and-funding approach helps address the “cold-start” issue in port electrification—the challenge of achieving charging or fueling availability in a way that makes zero-emission options practical and cost-effective for fleet operators. The Port LA press release emphasizes that the addendum is building on a track record of emissions reductions and continuing to expand the infrastructure and incentives needed to push fleets toward zero-emission operation. This approach aligns with national and regional goals to reduce freight-sector emissions, while also targeting the communities most affected by port-related air pollution. (portoflosangeles.org)

Funding and Financial Architecture: What the Addendum Adds

A central element of the August 2026 Addendum is a clear cost-recovery mechanism to fund ongoing administration and program management of the ZE infrastructure investments. The CEQANET filing for the August 7, 2026 NOE establishes that the proposed Addendum contains a cost-recovery provision requiring each port to allocate $20 million, totaling $40 million, to South Coast AQMD for regional off-port charging and fueling infrastructure projects for zero-emission drayage trucks. The NOE also states that South Coast AQMD will manage and distribute the funds, monitor project implementation, and recover a reasonable administrative fee (up to 10% of total project cost) for overhead. This structure is intended to ensure that program administration does not become a bottleneck to deployment while maintaining accountability for the use of public funds. The documentation emphasizes that the cost-recovery MOUs between South Coast AQMD and each Port would spell out project-selection criteria, fund-management processes, and reporting requirements, thereby creating a transparent and auditable funding pathway for off-port charging infrastructure. The Addendum’s funding framework thus embodies a practical balance between accelerating ZE infrastructure and maintaining prudent financial governance. (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov)

Implications for Stakeholders and Communities

The Addendum’s three additional measures are designed to drive tangible outcomes for multiple stakeholders:

• For port operators and trucking fleets: The new incentives for zero-emission trucks, and the expanded clean-ship incentives, are intended to shift behavior by lowering the financial and operational barriers to adoption. This is particularly important for the long-haul trucking segment, where the lifecycle costs of zero-emission trucks and the availability of charging and fueling infrastructure have historically constrained uptake.
• For the communities neighboring the ports: By accelerating decarbonization and reducing pollution from trucks, ships, and other port sources, the program holds the potential to improve air quality in neighborhoods that bear a disproportionate burden from port-related emissions. The Port LA release mentions the broader climate benefits of these coordinated actions and emphasizes that reducing port pollution is integral to regional climate goals as well as community health. Independent observers have long stressed that port emissions affect nearby communities, shorelines, and the inland corridors connected to the ports; therefore accelerated electrification and cleaner operations are viewed as essential components of environmental justice and public health improvement. The connection between policy actions at the ports and health outcomes in adjacent communities is a core rationale for the aggressive timeline and funding commitments reflected in the addendum. (portoflosangeles.org)

Comparative Context: How This Fits into Broader Trends

The South Coast AQMD-Ports collaboration is part of a broader national trend toward cross-jurisdictional, market-based decarbonization programs for freight and supply chains. Several freight hubs are pursuing large-scale investments in zero-emission infrastructure through public-private partnerships, public funding programs, and regulatory/voluntary incentive programs. The South Coast case stands out for its explicit, formalized cost-recovery approach and for its attempt to synchronize multiple agencies’ planning horizons and budgets around a shared ZE infrastructure backbone. The August 2026 addendum’s emphasis on off-port charging and fueling infrastructure complements on-port electrification efforts, as well as broader maritime decarbonization initiatives, by ensuring that the electricity and fueling networks needed to support zero-emission operations are available not only within port terminals but also across the regional freight ecosystem. Observers note that the combination of enforceable milestones, funding commitments, and a public-engagement framework can reduce the uncertainties that commonly slow large-scale decarbonization programs, though critics may still challenge the sufficiency of funding or the pace of deployment. The real-world impact will hinge on how effectively the MOUs are implemented, how quickly the ZE infrastructure is rolled out, and how well fleets—particularly drayage trucks—can transition to zero-emission technology under real-world operating conditions. (portoflosangeles.org)

What Critics Are Watching

As with any large-scale, multi-party infrastructure program, several questions remain pressing:

• Will the cost-recovery framework deliver predictable, sufficient funds to cover administrative costs and project management without siphoning resources away from actual ZE infrastructure investments? The NOE emphasizes a 10% admin fee cap, but stakeholders will want ongoing transparency over how those funds are used and whether the pace of installation and commissioning matches expectations. The August 2026 public notices make clear the intended governance structure, but actual disbursements and project approvals will be critical to track. (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov)
• How will the Addendum’s three new measures affect the overall timeline for ZE infrastructure deployment? The emphasis on expanding incentives for clean ships and zero-emission trucks suggests a more aggressive deployment schedule, but the real-world timing depends on vendor availability, permitting processes, and the performance of the incentive programs themselves. Public notices and subsequent updates show that the agencies are actively refining the program, but the ultimate impact will depend on follow-through in implementation across both ports. (aqmd.gov)
• Are CEQA determinations robust enough to withstand legal challenges? The Addendum’s CEQA pathway—designated as a “later activity” within the scope of the 2022 and 2016 AQMPs—has been supported by a Notice of Determination, but environmental review is a dynamic area that can be subject to litigation. Observers will continue to monitor the regulatory and legal environment as the program moves into implementation. (aqmd.gov)

Section 3: What’s Next

Timeline and Next Steps

With the August 2026 Addendum approved, the key near-term steps are clear:

• Finalizing MOUs and governance agreements: South Coast AQMD, POLB, and POLA will finalize the MOUs detailing cost allocations, project selection criteria, reporting requirements, and fund-management protocols. The CEQA framework’s continuation—through notices, determinations, and public-comment cycles—will accompany these negotiations. The public review process is designed to be transparent and to solicit input from communities, industry, and other stakeholders. The August 2026 CEQA notices and the August 7, 2026 Board agenda outline the process and milestones. (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov)
• Rolling out ZE infrastructure investments: The funding via the $40 million total cost-recovery provision is intended to accelerate regional off-port charging and fueling infrastructure. The Port LA press release explicitly calls out the $20 million investment in charging infrastructure and the incentives for zero-emission trucks, signaling concrete project pipelines and timelines. The two ports’ leadership statements highlight the emphasis on infrastructure build-out and performance milestones. Implementation will proceed in phases aligned with ZE Plan requirements and interagency coordination. (portoflosangeles.org)
• Public engagement and performance reporting: The agreement mandates annual reporting on progress and milestones. Expect a cadence of public briefings, workshop sessions, and formal reporting to the AQMD Governing Board, with potential updates to the ZE Plans as technology and market conditions evolve. The public process element remains a central tenet of the Addendum’s governance, ensuring accountability and open discourse around project choices and outcomes. (aqmd.gov)

What to Watch For

• Early indicators of progress in the charging and fueling network: The success of the off-port charging and fueling infrastructure is contingent on timely construction, permitting, and interconnection with the regional grid. The Port LA release’s emphasis on regional charging investments suggests the initial focus will be establishing capacity to service drayage fleets as they transition to zero-emission operation. Observers will watch for project announcements, vendor procurements, and interconnection milestones that reveal real-world deployment progress. (portoflosangeles.org)
• Fleet uptake and ship-incentive effectiveness: The enhanced incentives for clean ships and the new zero-emission truck incentives will be evaluated by changes in fleet composition, fuel usage mix, and gateway throughput at ports. Industry participants and local communities will be particularly attuned to any shifts in truck routes, idling times, and terminal operations that result from the program’s incentive structures. The CEQA and public-notice documents provide the framework for evaluating these outcomes as the program moves forward. (ceqanet.lci.ca.gov)
• Environmental and health outcomes: The program’s ultimate success will be judged by air-quality improvements in the South Coast Air Basin’s most affected communities. The AQMD’s ongoing monitoring and the ports’ public-health communications will be essential to understanding how the addendum translates into measurable health and environmental outcomes. Independent observers have long highlighted the link between port activity and regional air quality, making the monitoring component particularly important for long-term assessments. (apnews.com)

Closing

The South Coast AQMD ports cooperative agreement addendum represents a purposeful step forward in aligning regulatory oversight, port operations, and market-based incentives to accelerate decarbonization across the San Pedro Bay complex. The November 7, 2025 board action established a framework for cooperation among the South Coast AQMD, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of Los Angeles, with December 2025 marking the start of active implementation. The August 7, 2026 addendum adds momentum—three concrete measures to strengthen incentives, a funding mechanism to scale regional off-port ZE infrastructure, and a defined cost-recovery approach for district administration. The cooperation signals a broader trend toward integrated, multi-jurisdictional action on freight emissions, supported by transparent public engagement, rigorous CEQA review, and a robust reporting regime. As the regional port complex continues to evolve, readers should expect a steady stream of project announcements, funding allocations, and performance metrics that reveal how this collaboration translates into cleaner air for surrounding communities, more efficient zero-emission operations for port users, and a model for other regions pursuing similar decarbonization goals. For ongoing updates, keep an eye on South Coast AQMD’s board agenda materials and the port authorities’ public releases, which will provide the most timely accounting of milestones, funding disbursements, and project milestones tied to the addendum.

Source-linked anchors for readers seeking primary documents:

• South Coast AQMD Governing Board approval (Nov 7, 2025) and related materials: South Coast AQMD agenda page and board materials. See the November 7, 2025 Governing Board agenda item 30 for CEQA determinations and execution authority, and the November 7, 2025 press materials announcing the cooperative agreement’s approval. (aqmd.gov)
• Addendum adoption and CEQA documentation (Aug 7, 2026) and related notices: AQMD’s August 7, 2026 governing board agenda, the associated Notice of Determination (NOD), and the CAQ documents detailing the addendum’s measures and CEQA posture. (aqmd.gov)
• Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach primary communications on the addendum: Port of Los Angeles press release (Aug 13, 2026) detailing the addendum’s expanded incentives and the $20 million regional charging infrastructure investment; Port of Los Angeles environment pages and Harbor Commission agenda items corroborating the addendum’s status. (portoflosangeles.org)
• Context on the program’s scope and progress: The Ports’ joint Cooperative Agreement background and its December 2025 effective date (with subsequent addendum activities), including the agreement’s emphasis on ZE infrastructure and public engagement. (aqmd.gov)
• Independent context on port-related emissions and public health implications: Associated nationwide and regional reporting on port emissions and public-health considerations to situate the press within a broader environmental justice framework. (apnews.com)