CONTACT: Marguerite Elicone, melicone@portofsandiego.org

As an environmental champion of San Diego Bay and its diverse ecosystems, the Port of San Diego is purchasing seven vehicles for its work fleet that will run on renewable diesel fuel.

The Board of Port Commissioners approved a $700,000 agreement with 72 Hour LLC, DBA National Auto Fleet Group at its November 5, 2019 Board meeting. The emissions produced from renewable diesel do not result in a net increase of C02 emissions because renewable diesel is produced by biogenic waste products that would have decayed and produced C02 emissions elsewhere.

“The use of renewable diesel will help the Port meet its Climate Action Plan goals to curb greenhouse gas emissions along San Diego Bay and its tidelands,” said Garry Bonelli, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The Port’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased 13 percent since 2006 and the purchase of these vehicles will help to further decrease air pollution.”

The Port’s General Services staff will use the vehicles as part of their maintenance duties at the Port’s facilities, 22 parks and other areas. The vehicles to be purchased are:

• One 10-yard dump truck;
• Two ¾-ton crew cab pick-up trucks;
• One ¾-ton utility gardener truck;
• One ¾-ton crew cab stake bed truck;
• One long-bed cargo stake truck; and
• One refuse packer/loader.

The agreement also includes two gasoline-powered mid-sized SUVs that will replace two older fleet vehicles. The newer SUVs will be more gasoline efficient and will therefore produce less air emissions than the older vehicles. Port staff researched the feasibility of purchasing alternative fuel SUVs, but this segment of the market did not offer sufficient options based on staff’s current equipment needs. The Port will continue to research opportunities to incorporate alternative powered vehicles throughout its work fleet.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.

ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO ENVIRONMENT
Port of San Diego Environment champions the safekeeping and environmental care of our diverse ecosystems. Year after year, environmental goals are set and measured to evolve environmental initiatives – ensuring San Diego Bay remains a vibrant resource and contributes to a remarkable way of life for visitors and residents for generations to come.