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The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has unanimously approved a Port of Long Beach Energy Policy to guide efforts in order to secure a more sustainable and resilient supply of power as demand at the port grows.

The Energy Policy declares that the port will implement measures to increase efficiency, conservation and renewable energy in collaboration with port tenants, utilities, other city departments, industry stakeholders, labor unions, the Port of Los Angeles and others.

The Energy Policy was created in anticipation of increasing demand for electricity at the port with air quality improvement programs such as shore power, which allows cargo ships to shut down diesel engines and plug into landside electricity while at berth.

In 2005, the Harbor Commission adopted the 'Green Port Policy', which set down the tenets that have guided the port’s evironmental programs such as the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan - a joint agreement between the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles to improve air quality.

"When we look at our future energy demands due to shore power, zero-emissions programs and more, it’s imperative that we increase our energy security," said Harbor Commissioner Rich Dines, Chair of the Commission’s Energy Subcommittee. "This Energy Policy will guide the creation of an energy program that will improve the environment and business continuity at the port."

"Just as our environmental initiatives have changed the way we think about construction, operations, maintenance and properties, this energy policy adds another lens we look through when making decisions, as it relates to energy in the future,” said Port Director of Environmental Planning Richard Cameron. “We want to be efficient and we want to be innovative, because this keeps us competitive."

The program will also look at improving ways to keep the port operating in the event of a crisis that could impact the flow of electricity.