Ships coming into California's San Pedro Bay will need to be carbon-free in less than 10 years.
The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a proposal to require all incoming vessels to emit no carbon emissions by 2030.
The resolution, drafted by councilmember Nithya Raman, also requires legislative support or administrative action to decarbonise maritime and set up emission-free shipping lanes along the West Coast and transpacific trade route.
Emissions from the maritime industry are expected to comprise 17% of global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, according to the council.
Residents close to San Pedro Bay, which receives 40% of US boxed imports, as a result, have life expectancies that are eight years lower than the Los Angeles County average.
"The unseen consequences of allowing the shipping industry to continue operating as is, should give us all pause," Raman said in a statement.
"Communities living near ports are suffering from higher rates of childhood asthma, cancer, and more."
As many as 80 boxships have been anchored for weeks in the bay as a result of Covid-driven supply chain disruption that has made berths unavailable.
"By calling for 100% zero-emissions shipping at the Port of Los Angeles this decade, Los Angeles City Council is taking a historic stand for the health, dignity and longevity of Angelenos who live near ports," said Dawny'all Heydrai, organiser of Pacific Environment's Ship It Zero campaign.
"Now, Walmart, Target, Amazon, IKEA and other top import polluters must respond with plans to immediately decarbonize their maritime shipping at the Port of Los Angeles."
