Kathmandu— The Ports of LA and Long Beach together process 40% of all containerized imports into the United States, spanning a 24-square-mile complex in Southern California. While vital to the nation’s economy, this immense operation is also a major source of pollution, creating what locals call the “diesel-death zone” and contributing to significantly lower life expectancies and higher rates of disease in nearby communities due to emissions from ships, trucks, and port activity.

The Scale of Pollution

Cargo ships emit up to 5 metric tons of CO2 per hour while at port, and with an average of 40 ships docking daily between Long Beach and LA, the cumulative impact is substantial. This pollution isn’t just environmental; it directly affects human health, causing over 2,400 deaths annually. Residents of West Long Beach experience a life expectancy eight years shorter than those in more affluent areas of Los Angeles County due to the concentration of port-related emissions.

The Deadly 710 Freeway

Serving as the primary transport route for goods from the ports, the 20-mile-long 710 freeway is notorious for its heavy truck traffic and high accident rate. Ranked among the most dangerous roads in the nation—second only to Interstate 285 in Georgia—the highway has seen tragic incidents, including a case where a motorcyclist was fatally struck by a speeding semi-truck. Despite proposals to widen the freeway to alleviate congestion, a $6 billion expansion project was rejected in May 2022 due to concerns about its impact on vulnerable communities.

Community Resistance and Ongoing Harm

Local advocates successfully opposed the 710 freeway expansion, recognizing that it would disproportionately harm communities of color. Laura Cortez, co-director of East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, stated, “Though it took way too long to get a commitment to prioritize health and well-being, our community embraces this decision as a victory.” However, she emphasized the continued harm caused by the existing freeway and the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure community voices are prioritized. Nearly 1.2 million people live near the 710, with 83% identifying as Black or Latinx, all breathing air laden with diesel emissions.

Failed Solutions and Future Plans

Despite increased import volumes—with July recording the second-highest level on record—and ongoing pollution, solutions remain elusive. A proposal to build a small modular nuclear reactor at the Port of Long Beach is considered unlikely due to existing regulations and cost concerns. Nuclear expert MV Ramana noted that nuclear power has become more expensive over time, referencing the unsuccessful case of the first nuclear-powered ship, the Savannah. While plans for a $4.7 billion offshore wind farm capable of powering 25 million homes are underway, this energy will feed into the grid rather than directly addressing port operations.

A System Built on Externalized Costs

Currently, there are no immediate plans to drastically reduce emissions from the ports. The communities near the port and along the 710 freeway continue to bear the brunt of an economic system reliant on cheap imports, highlighting a pattern where environmental and health costs are externalized onto vulnerable populations.

Without significant intervention, residents living near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will likely continue to experience disproportionately high levels of pollution and related health problems.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.