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LIKE THE HARBORS THEMSELVES, which are side by side, pollution and jobs have long been inextricably linked at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. More jobs would lead to more pollution, the thinking went, while reducing pollution would mean a loss of jobs. Thankfully, recent developments are clarifying the inaccuracy of this assumption -- as well as the air around the ports.
The ports are the region's biggest source of air pollution. The diesel fumes emitted by the container ships, trucks and trains serving the ports have been linked to lung cancer, asthma and other ailments; a recent study by the state Air Resources Board said air pollutants generated by the state's cargo industry will kill 750 people prematurely and lead to $6.3 billion in healthcare costs this year. Harbor-area residents have long complained about all this, since they bear the brunt of the negative health effects.
Last week, two events occurred that should put a dent in the problem. First, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Geraldine Knatz as head of the Port of L.A. Knatz, managing director of development at...