Nov. 8, 2007 The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will ban older, more polluting diesel trucks beginning next year, Environment New Service reports.

The phase-out is planned in four stages, with pre-1989 trucks banned in 2008 and 1989-1993 trucks banned by 2010. Also in 2010, 1993-2003 trucks must be retrofitted to run cleaner. The newest non-retrofitted trucks will be banned by 2012.

Once completed, the program is expected to cut air pollution from short-haul trucks working in the harbor by nearly 80% within five years.

"This...progressive truck ban schedule...is not only consistent with the anticipated requirements proposed by the California Air Resources Board, but actually achieves even more emissions reductions in an accelerated timeframe," said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.

Last November, the ports approved specific air quality goals as part of its Clean Air Action Plan. The ports are still working on a broader Clean Trucks Program.

The measures may be a preview of what's to come for the U.S. shipping sector. Many industry watchers are looking to California as a trend-setter in setting clean air requirements for shipping operations throughout the country.