PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 
COMMISSION AGENDA               Item No.      6b 
ACTION ITEM 
Date of Meeting    December 10, 2013 
DATE:    November 18, 2013 
TO:      Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:   Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Director Seaport Environmental and Planning 
Janice Gedlund, Seaport Air Quality Program Manager 
SUBJECT:  Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Update Adoption 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update. No funding
is associated with this request. 
SYNOPSIS 
The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update is a revision to the Northwest Ports Clean Air
Strategy adopted by the Port of Seattle Commission on January 22, 2008. 
The strategy, a voluntary, collaborative effort between the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Metro
Vancouver (B.C.) is being updated to incorporate what was learned from the 2011 emissions
inventory, which showed considerable across-the-board reductions in pollutants since the base year
of 2005.  The strategy update includes establishment of additional reduction goals for diesel
particulate matter (DPM) and greenhouse gases (GHG); revised 2015 performance targets;
establishment of 2020 performance targets; and an increased commitment to conduct pilot and
demonstration projects. 
BACKGROUND 
The Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, and Port Metro Vancouver are continuing their collaborative
efforts on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy to reduce maritime-related emissions from
global marine trade and port operations in the Georgia BasinPuget Sound airshed. In developing
and implementing the 2007 strategy and this 2013 strategy update, the three ports partnered with
government agencies including Environment Canada and Metro Vancouver in Canada and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Puget Sound
Clean Air Agency in the United States. The port partners and governmental agencies worked
together between January 2012 and May 2013 to develop the draft strategy update.
Public Outreach on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update 
The Port conducted various stakeholder outreach efforts between September 2012 and May 2013 to
get input on key elements of the strategy update.  This included meetings with industrial

Template revised May 30, 2013.

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Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
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stakeholders such as trucking companies, truck drivers, cruise lines, container lines, and marine
terminal operators; as well as with community groups and the Seattle City Council. 
On June 11, 2013, a public review draft of the strategy update was released. The Ports of Seattle
and Tacoma's public comment period ran from June 11 through July 31, 2013. Port Metro
Vancouver accepted public comments between June 21 and August 9, 2013. Comments were
accepted at open houses, in person, by mail, and on-line.
The Port of Seattle hosted two public meetings (June 26 and June 27). During that time, briefings
on the strategy update were also given at a number of community council and neighborhood
association meetings.
The three ports received comments from 45 respondents. The Port of Seattle received 26 of those
comments, 20 of which focused on trucks.
The 45 comments covered: 
Truck owners' inability to afford the price and maintenance of a 2007 or newer trucks,
especially in light of the reduced volume of cargo at the port. 
Appreciation for the Port of Seattle's proposed truck scrapping incentive program; but
concern that the grant-funded project to provide incentives to scrap and replace 160 trucks
does not help enough truck owners, and does not provide a high enough level of financial
assistance. 
Concern regarding truck parking in Seattle neighborhoods. 
Concern that the reduction goals should be absolute rather than per ton of cargo. 
A need for a mandatory approach to emission reduction; and appreciation for aligning some
targets, such as for ocean-going vessels, with regulations and established third-party
certification programs. 
A need for greater financial support to meet targets. 
Suggestion to increase focus on alternative fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells. 
A suggestion to expand the scope of the strategy (e.g., fugitive emissions, noise). 
Overall there was positive support of the strategy update and goals, and the pilot studies and
demonstration projects. 
Revisions Made to the Draft Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update 
The changes made following internal and public review of the document are listed below: 
The 2015 interim goal of having 80% of trucks meet the 2007 emission standards was
eliminated. A single target was set for the end of 2017 for trucks to meet or surpass EPA
emission standards for model year 2007. 
Actions and targets for clean construction standards for engines used on port-led
construction projects were clarified. 
It was clarified that the goal and target due dates refer to the end of the stated year (i.e.
2015 target means December 31, 2015). 
A statement was added to acknowledge that reduction of black carbon emissions, which
contribute to climate change, is a co-benefit of reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM);

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
Page 3 of 8 
however, black carbon emissions have not been quantified in the ports' emission inventories
or in this strategy update.
A summary of the public review process and a summary of the key points made by reviewers were
added to the document. 
PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND DETAILS 
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's first Air Toxics Evaluation (2003) showed that 78% of the
public health risk from air pollution in Puget Sound comes from diesel. Following that finding, the
Port of Seattle voluntarily initiated and managed the first effort to quantify sources of maritime air
emissions in the Puget Sound region.  The result was the 2005 Puget Sound Maritime Air
Emissions Inventory (2005 EI) which was developed by a forum of regulatory agencies, ports,
industry, and non-governmental organizations. The 2005 EI, published in 2007, was a
comprehensive baseline of all maritime-related emission sources (ocean-going vessels, cargohandling
equipment, trucks, rail and harbor vessels) in the greater Puget Sound region. 
Since the adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy in 2008, the ports, stakeholders and
partners have achieved considerable progress toward emission reduction measures. The ports will
continue to encourage the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among their partners to promote
proactive engagement of stakeholders and implement innovative approaches for reducing
emissions. The ports also recognize the need to review and adjust the strategy on a regular basis in
light of new standards, technology advancement, air emissions data, and evolving climate change
policy frameworks.
Project Objectives 
To reduce emissions in advance of and complementary to regulations, the strategy update focuses
on voluntary actions to address three primary objectives: 
1.  Reduce maritime-related air quality impacts from diesel particulate matter  (DPM) 
emissions to decrease immediate and long-term health effects on human health, the
economy, and the environment in the airshed. 
2.  Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit contributions to climate change and
reduce associated environmental, health, and economic impacts. 
3.  Help meet air-quality standards and objectives for the airshed. 
Scope of Work 
The strategy update contains airshed-wide goals for reducing maritime-related DPM and GHG
emissions. To develop these goals, the strategy partners considered data collected through
implementation since 2007, advances in emission-reduction technology, actions taken, and
changes in the regulatory landscape.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
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The strategy partners updated the previous 2015 performance measures (now called
performance targets) and set new performance targets for 2020. The strategy update includes
new and updated actions and performance targets for the following sectors: 
1. Ocean-going vessels 
2. Harbor vessels 
3. Cargo-handling equipment 
4. Trucks 
5. Locomotives and rail transport 
6. Port administration 
The strategy update calls for pilot studies and demonstration projects designed to advance
emission-reduction technologies for the maritime and port industry. 
Each year, the strategy partners publish an implementation report that summarizes emissionreduction
activities and tracks progress on performance targets. The annual report presents
progress and compares results with previous years. Every five years, the ports will update their air
emissions inventories and analyze progress toward emission-reduction goals. 
Schedule 
Performance targets are set for the years 2015 and 2020. Port staff will continue ongoing efforts to
meet these targets, and work will continue through December 31, 2020. Annual progress reports
will be published each year. 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
The following table summarizes outside costs included in the 2013 and 2014 operating budgets to
support the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.
Outside Cost Breakdown                 2013 Budget        2014 Budget 
Operating Expenses: Outside service
contracts to provide technical services in
support of the program.                          $245,000           $299,000 
Non-Operating Expenses: 
ABC Fuels                            625,000          400,000 
Cargo Handling Equipment                    100,000          100,000 
Truck Related Initiatives                        325,000          3,392,000
Total Expenditures                         1,295,000         4,191,000 
Less: Grant Revenues                             (0)         (2,689,000) 
Net Cost to Port                           $1,295,000         $1,502,000 
Budget Status and Source of Funds 
Funds to implement the strategy update have been included in the Port's 2013 and 2014 operating
budgets and the related forecasts used in developing the plan of finance. This includes expenditures

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
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of funds classified as operating expenses and non-operating expenses and the offsetting receipt of
funds from grants. The net cost to the Port is funded from the Seaport General Fund. 
Lifecycle Cost and Savings 
Seaport Environmental and Planning Department will continue its ongoing Air Quality Program, 
which will be tailored to specific emission reduction initiatives designed to achieve the goals and
targets established in the strategy update. This program has ongoing operational costs related to
environmental investments, including initiatives such as the current At-Berth Clean Fuels program,
the Clean Truck program (including a grant-funded truck scrap/replace project, and a pilot project
to convert diesel-powered dray trucks to run on compressed natural gas), the Green Gateway
Partners Awards program, an idle-reduction project for cargo-handling equipment.
STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES 
Adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update aligns with the following Port
strategic objectives: 
The Century Agenda strategy to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North
America, and associated objective to reduce air pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases.
The strategy update sets goals and targets to continue to reduce emissions of diesel
particulate matter and greenhouse gases per ton of cargo over the next seven years. 
The Century Agenda strategy to position the Puget Sound region as a premier international
logistics hub. Implementation of the strategy update will result in a greener supply chain for
goods movement. 
The project supports the Port-wide strategy to manage our finances responsibly. The
strategy update promotes collaboration with neighboring ports and regulatory agencies,
thereby achieving economies of scale in assessing and implementing new approaches to
reduce air emissions, and positioning the Port to compete successfully for government grant
funding. 
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE 
Economic Development 
Reducing diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gases can have a positive net economic benefit,
due to savings from energy efficiency, as well as new "green" job opportunities in the energy,
carbon technology, pollution control and related sectors of the economy. 
Environmental Responsibility 
The primary purpose of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update is to reduce air
emissions, which will ultimately protect public health and the environment.
Community Benefits 
The community will benefit from cleaner air. The strategy update incorporates a commitment to
manage future growth in a way that improves air quality and supports sustainable port operations.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
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This includes collaboration with port tenants, customers, and other stakeholders who manage port
activities and equipment that produce air emissions, as well as regional transportation agencies that
can influence freight movement. 
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED 
Alternative 1)  No action  do not adopt the strategy update. In this case, the Port would not be
part of a collaborative effort with neighboring ports and regulatory agencies, and would not realize
the benefits of a joint approach. This is not the recommended alternative. 
Alternative 2)  Adopt the strategy update. Results of the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Emissions
Inventory, as well as annual implementation reports, indicate that the program has been successful
to date. The basic objectives of the updated strategy have not changed from the original version. It
advances the harmonized approach of improving air quality and reducing maritime impacts to
public health and the environment while supporting economic growth. This is the recommended
alternative. 
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
Final version of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2013 Update 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
December 3, 2013  the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy
2013 Update. 
June 25, 2013  the Commission was briefed on the draft 2013 update to the Northwest
Ports Clean Air Strategy. 
December 4, 2012  the Commission was briefed on the results of the 2011 Puget Sound
Maritime Air Emissions Inventory and options for accelerating the NWPCAS truck goals. 
May 1, 2012  the Commission authorized to sign agreement 20090046 Amendment 5 with
the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to transfer $1,050,000 in funds to support the
implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. Amendment 5 increased the total
amount transferred from the Port to PSCAA since 2009 to $5,216,250. 
February 7, 2012  the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy
and on the Port's current air quality program effort, and draft recommendations on options
for accelerating Seaport Clean Air Strategy goals. 
July 12, 2011  the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy
2010 Implementation Report and interim report on Accelerating Clean Air Goals. 
February 1, 2011  the Commission authorized to sign agreement 20090046 Amendment 4
with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to transfer $1,160,250 in funds to support the
implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, and to extend the end date from
June 30, 2011, to June 30, 2013. Amendment 4 increased the total amount transferred from
the Port to PSCAA since 2009 to $4,166,250. 
January 4, 2011  the Commission adopted the "Motion to Accelerate Seaport Clean Air
Goals to 2015."

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
November 18, 2013 
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December 7, 2010  the Commission was briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy
Implementation Status. 
November 9, 2010  the Commission authorized to increase the amount of the At-Berth
Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program by $110,250, for a total 2010 annual program budget
of $951,750, to cover participation by the projected number of qualifying vessel visits for
the remainder of the year. 
June 8, 2010  the Commission authorized to supplement the value of the At-Berth Clean
Fuels Vessel Incentive Program by $541,500, for a total 2010 annual program budget of
$841,500. Within the $541,500, $135,000 represents funds that were originally approved in
2009, but were not used until 2010. 
January 12, 2010  the Commission was briefed on the Seaport's Air Quality Program. 
August 25, 2009  the Commission received a Clean Air Update. 
August 25, 2009  the Commission authorized a revised Customer Support Package lease
amendment with Total Terminals Inc.; and authorized the Port to purchase energy efficient
light fixtures and related equipment for T-46, for an amount not to exceed $680,000. 
June 23, 2009  the Commission received a briefing on the Northwest Ports Clean Air
Strategy 2008 Implementation Report. 
April 14, 2009  the Commission authorized an agreement with Puget Sound Clean Air
Agency, to transfer $2.3 million ($1.15 million in 2009 and $1.15 million in 2010) from the
Port's operating budget to support the implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air
Strategy. 
April 14, 2009  the Commission authorized the execution of lease agreements with Total
Terminals Inc. for Terminal 46, SSAT (Seattle) for Terminal 25/30, SSA Terminals for
Terminal 18, and Eagle Marine for Terminal 5, to incorporate the Customer Support
Package and the Ports Clean Air Program into those leases. 
March 31, 2009  the Commission was briefed on the customer support package and the
Clean Air Program. 
February 10, 2009  the Commission held a policy roundtable discussion of the Clean Air
Program. 
December 2, 2008  the Commission authorized a transfer of $500,000 to the Puget Sound
Clean Air Agency for the At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program. 
November 11, 2008  the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program. 
September 2, 2008  the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program for
drayage operations at West Coast Seaports. 
July 8, 2008  the Commission was briefed on the Port's Clean Truck Program. 
April 1, 2008  the Commission and the public were briefed on the Northwest Ports Clean
Air Strategy implementation. 
January 22, 2008  the Commission adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. 
December 6, 2007  the Commission was briefed on the revised draft of the Northwest Ports
Clean Air Strategy. 
August 28, 2007  the Commission adopted Resolution No. 3585, endorsing the U.S.
Proposal to the International Maritime Organization seeking more stringent air emissions
standards for ocean going vessels.

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November 18, 2013 
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April 10, 2007  the Commission was briefed on the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions
Inventory Project. 
March 27, 2007  the Commission authorized the amendment of the existing contract for the
Air Emission Inventory in the amount of $25,000, and to receive and spend supplemental
funding for the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory Project. 
February 16, 2007  the Commission passed a series of environmental motions that
required, in part, that staff present an air quality action plan for Commission approval. 
April 26, 2005  the Commission authorized joint development of the Puget Sound
Maritime Air Emissions Inventory and $500,000 for support and implementation of the
project. 
February 9, 2005   the Commission adopted Resolution No. 3534, expressing its
commitment to Maritime Air Quality.