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Long Beach Mayor, Robert Garcia, says that the Californian port is the most environmentally friendly on the planet.

In a statement, Garcia remarked: "The Port of Long Beach remains the greenest port in the world, reducing emissions while increasing economic activity. The port's consistent commitment to sustainability and our environment should be celebrated."

Earlier this month, the Port of Long Beach announced that it had surpassed every air pollution reduction milestone set for 2014 due to air quality improvement programs, including low sulphur fuel and the increased use of shore power for ships.

According to an annual emissions survey, the port has reduced diesel particulates by 85 percent since 2005, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 50 percent and sulphur oxides by 97 percent. The reductions surpassed the goals established under the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, according to Long Beach Port and community officials.

In yesterday's statement, Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, commented: "The Port of Long Beach has shown that accelerating investments in new technology clean diesel trucks has propelled the port to both environmental and economic gains. It also lays the foundation for continued progress toward future goals."

"Mayor Garcia and leadership at the Port of Long Beach are to be recognized for the successful implementation of several emissions reduction programs that allowed them to exceed their air quality goals," Schaeffer added. "These major air quality improvements highlight how the integration of cleaner fuel, electric shore power for ships, clean diesel trucks, and other programs can result in significant reductions in emissions."