Brian Barton
Los Angeles, California, is known for its entertainment businesses, Hollywood, and the American film industry. However, it has also become well-known for its poor air quality, which has resulted in serious health issues for its residents. LA's geographical constraints, sprawling layout, and large population contribute to its high levels of air pollution. The city's basin-like shape traps ozone pollution, and emissions from vehicles, manufacturers, and shipping industries further worsen the problem. To combat this, Los Angeles is taking steps to improve air quality, such as expanding public transportation systems, transitioning to electric vehicles, and promoting the reduction of single-use plastics.
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What You'll Learn
Reducing plastic waste
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Los Angeles, with plastic constituting the majority of the county's litter. In response, LA has implemented several initiatives and policies to reduce plastic waste and mitigate its environmental impact.
One significant step is the ban on single-use plastic bags, which has been in effect for almost a decade. This ban initially targeted local grocery stores, prohibiting them from providing single-use plastic bags and encouraging the use of reusable tote bags. The city has since expanded this ban to include large retail stores, and as of July 2023, all other shops, such as apparel stores, farmers' markets, and food and beverage facilities, will no longer offer single-use plastic bags. This measure not only reduces plastic waste but also promotes the use of more sustainable alternatives.
Another crucial initiative is the Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program, which led to the passage of several laws in 2022. One notable law prohibits the sale and distribution of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, in restaurants and retail stores. This law, which came into effect in April 2023, includes items such as cups, plates, bowls, takeaway containers, and egg cartons. The goal is to phase out these non-recyclable and non-compostable materials and replace them with reusable or recyclable alternatives.
In addition to these measures, LA is also focusing on the food-service sector, which is a significant contributor to plastic pollution. The county aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic food-service ware and promote the use of reusables and compostable materials. This includes encouraging individuals to bring their own cups, straws, and utensils when dining at fast-service restaurants.
Furthermore, LA County is committed to improving waste management practices and promoting consistency across the region. This includes investing in litter prevention, cleanup, and education, as well as exploring more sustainable alternatives to manage waste effectively.
By implementing these initiatives and policies, Los Angeles is taking significant steps towards reducing plastic waste and mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and marine life. These efforts are crucial in addressing the global issue of plastic pollution and inspiring other cities and regions to follow suit.
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Improving public transport
Los Angeles is taking a range of measures to improve its public transport system, with the aim of reducing pollution and improving the quality of life for its residents.
LA County Metro is currently undertaking the country's largest public works project, with plans to expand rail and bus services. This includes the development of new bus transit corridors, which will improve connectivity and make public transport a more attractive option for commuters. This is in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize the importance of expanding public transport access.
The Southern California Association of Governments has also outlined a set of transportation, land use, and housing strategies, collectively known as the Sustainable Communities Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce per capita vehicle miles travelled by encouraging the use of public transport, biking, and walking.
To further encourage the use of public transportation, LA is also working to improve urban design and increase access to reliable public transport. This includes allowing and encouraging abundant housing and businesses near train and bus stops, a practice known as "transit-oriented development." This creates a virtuous cycle, where well-trafficked stations attract more riders, businesses, and higher property values, leading to increased tax revenues that can be reinvested into the public transport system.
In addition, LA is embracing new technologies and modes of transportation, such as ride-sharing services and electric vehicles. The city is also working to improve real-time information access, integrate payment systems, and establish public-private partnerships to improve the overall transportation experience for its residents.
By implementing these measures, LA is taking significant steps towards improving its public transport system, reducing pollution, and creating a more sustainable future for its residents.
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Transitioning to electric vehicles
To further accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, in partnership with Los Angeles County, Metro, CARB, and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), developed the Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap. This roadmap aims to speed up the shift from privately-owned cars and trucks to electric vehicles, significantly improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The demand for electric vehicles is increasing across the country, with electric vehicles accounting for 4.6% of total car sales in 2021, up from 0.2% in 2011. Projections show that by 2030, electric vehicles could make up 40-50% of total passenger car sales.
To support this transition, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $7.5 billion to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations along federal highways. This funding will help mitigate range anxiety and enable long-distance travel for EV owners. Additionally, the EPA's proposed standards for electric vehicles are expected to avoid nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions through 2055. The Treasury Department has also announced new rules regarding the $7,500 consumer tax credit for eligible electric vehicles through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The transition to electric vehicles will impact various occupations. There will be increased demand for labour in the design and development of electric vehicle models, battery production, and the installation and maintenance of charging infrastructure. On the other hand, the demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics may decrease due to EVs having fewer moving parts and not requiring routine oil changes. Overall, the shift to electric vehicles in LA is a crucial step towards improving air quality and reducing pollution, with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Eliminating diesel trucks
Los Angeles has the worst diesel pollution in the country, with diesel exhaust responsible for more than two-thirds of the cancer risk posed by air pollution. Residents in neighbourhoods near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach breathe the highest concentrations of diesel exhaust in the Los Angeles basin, which raises their risk of lung cancer. Diesel fumes also contain other pollutants like nitrogen oxide, which contribute to urban smog. In 2012, fumes from heavy-duty cargo trucks caused an estimated 15,000 asthma attacks, 480 premature deaths, and more than $5 billion in health-related costs in Southern California.
In response to this, BREATHE California of Los Angeles County has called for the elimination of diesel trucks at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach through their End Diesel Now campaign. The campaign aims to improve air quality and public health by reducing air pollution and seeks to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is also taking steps to improve air quality by using more fuel-efficient vehicles and renewable energy, with plans to electrify its entire bus fleet by 2030.
The Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap is another initiative that seeks to accelerate the transition of privately-owned cars and trucks to electric vehicles, with the goal of improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While these changes are a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go in terms of implementing and enforcing regulations, as well as addressing the impacts of diesel pollution on marginalized communities.
The state's zero-emissions truck rule and the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) program are important steps towards reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality. However, a combination of policy changes and technology advances is necessary to eliminate diesel emissions and mitigate the health risks associated with them.
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Reducing single-use products
Los Angeles County is taking several steps to address pollution, including reducing single-use products, improving air quality, and transitioning to cleaner transportation options.
The county has recognised that plastic waste, particularly from the food-service sector, is a significant contributor to pollution. In response, they have taken steps to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and promote the use of reusable and compostable alternatives.
The Board of Supervisors commissioned UCLA researchers to conduct a data-driven analysis of the food-service sector's impact on pollution. The results will inform policy measures to tackle single-use plastics issues. One such measure will focus on reducing plastic food-service ware, which is one of the major applications of single-use plastics and is encountered frequently by the public.
The county aims to encourage the use of reusable alternatives, such as bringing your own cups, straws, and utensils when dining at fast-service restaurants. They also plan to increase the use of compostable materials and ensure that recycled materials are actually recyclable.
At the state level, California's Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, addresses the large-scale use and impact of single-use packaging and plastic disposable food service ware. This law requires all single-use food ware and packaging to be fully compostable or recyclable by 2023, with a goal of all such items being recyclable or compostable by 2032.
SB 54 also shifts the responsibility for preventing plastic pollution from consumers to the plastic industry, imposing fines and penalties for non-compliance. It is expected to stimulate the formation of circular economies and drive innovation for new packaging and food service ware solutions.
On a federal level, President Biden's Executive Order 14057 calls for federal agencies to take action to reduce and phase out the procurement of single-use plastic products. The Department of the Interior aims to eliminate single-use plastic products on department-managed lands by 2032, reducing the procurement, sale, and distribution of these items.
By addressing single-use products, Los Angeles County and California are taking significant steps towards reducing plastic pollution and promoting more sustainable practices.
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Frequently asked questions
The main sources of air pollution in LA are diesel engines, ports, motor vehicles, and industries. LA is the third most economically powerful city in the world, and its shipping industry plays a huge part in its economic structure. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are the two busiest container ports in the United States. LA's geographical constraints and sprawling layout can also be blamed for their unique pollution circumstances.
LA County is taking steps to improve air quality and public health by expanding and improving its public transportation systems. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is using more fuel-efficient vehicles and renewable energy, with the nation's largest fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. Metro's Orange Line bus rapid transit is going fully electric by 2020, and the entire Metro bus fleet will be electric by 2030. The Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap seeks to accelerate the transition of privately-owned cars and trucks to electric vehicles.
UCLA researchers conducted a study on behalf of the County's Board of Supervisors to design effective policies to tackle single-use plastics issues. Measures will be introduced to reduce the use of single-use plastic food-service ware and promote the use of reusables and compostable materials.
