The Port of Los Angeles continued to make clean air gains in 2025, recording its lowest emissions per container on record, according to the Port's newly released Inventory of Air Emissions. The findings mark another milestone in the Port's clean air efforts, with emissions declining from the previous year and continuing a two-decade trend of significant reductions.
"The Port of Los Angeles continues to demonstrate that economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. "These results reflect years of investment, collaboration, and our shared commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable future for our Harbor communities while ensuring Los Angeles remains a competitive hub for global commerce."
Since 2005, the Port has reduced diesel particulate matter emissions (DPM) by 90%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 72%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 98% and greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 16%, while container volumes have increased 37%.
The latest inventory also shows continued progress since 2017 when the Port of Los Angeles and neighbouring Port of Long Beach updated their landmark Clean Air Action Plan to accelerate the transition toward zero-emissions operations. Emissions of DPM, NOx and SOx and GHGs are down 15%, 38%, 28% and 9% since then.
In 2025 alone, emissions of DPM fell 2%, NOx declined 4%, SOx dropped 5% and GHGs decreased 3% compared with 2024. The reduction in NOx marked the lowest annual total for that pollutant since the Port began tracking emissions in 2005.
"These results demonstrate that we can move high cargo volumes while continuing to reduce emissions," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "This progress reflects years of investment, innovation and collaboration across our maritime industry. We're proud of what we've accomplished together, and we're focused on accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable port operations."
Each year, the Port inventories air pollution from ships, trucks, trains, harbour craft and cargo-handling equipment to measure the results of its clean air strategies. The new report is based on trade activity during calendar year 2025, when it handled nearly 10.2 million TEUs.