Freight transport through Southwest Washington is expected to increase in the future, as the population is expected to grow and geographic considerations continue to make the region a strategic location for distribution. The area is well served by major trade in marine, rail, and truck cargo.  Each of these modes uses equipment powered primarily by diesel engines. The freight moving sector, in an effort to enhance the sustainability in the region, has initiated actions to reduce diesel emissions under the Columbia River Clean Diesel Project.

The project, which began in 2008, brought together Columbia River ports, shippers, trucking companies, railroad and barging companies to identify ways to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions associated with goods movement in the region.  The port has since rebuilt and retrofitted equipment with exhaust controls, conducted air emissions inventories, launched an anti-idling campaign and switched all port vehicles and equipment to ultra-low sulfur diesel in an effort to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions. 

We believe that a healthy economy depends on a healthy environment. The port looks forward to continued efforts to maintain clean air for our community now and in the future.