David Vs. Goliath: A New Model For Port Cleanup

A Los Angeles resident fights the mighty Port of Los Angeles for cleaner air... and wins. The result could be a new model for port cleanups.

1 minute read

April 2, 2003, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"That settlement represents a power shift. For decades, the port expanded with few major challenges. Nearby residents fed up with air pollution and noise typically resorted to letter writing and making phone calls. This time, they stunned port officials in court by temporarily halting the opening of a $47-million terminal built for one of the port's most valued tenants... The recent settlement could place Los Angeles in the forefront of that effort, some experts say. It may become the first port in the nation to regularly supply cargo ships with electricity so they can turn off their diesel engines while in port."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3, 2025 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of smart phone with USDOT website open.

USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations

A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two people waiting to board arriving bus on a snowy day.

Study: Drops in Transit Ridership Linked to Extreme Weather

Unsurprisingly, people are less likely to use transit during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common around the country.

4 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington.

Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent

House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.

5 hours ago - Washington State Standard

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.