SAN DIEGO — The Port of San Diego is inviting community members to take part in shaping the next five years of its ambitious Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), a long-term plan aimed at reducing maritime emissions, protecting public health, and ensuring sustainable port operations across San Diego Bay.
Adopted in 2021, the MCAS outlines a comprehensive approach to improving air quality through the use of cleaner fuels, zero-emission equipment, and electrification of maritime operations. Since its adoption, the Port has achieved approximately 80 percent of the plan’s short-term objectives and is now seeking community input to guide the next phase of implementation.
To engage the public, the Port will host two community conversations this fall, offering residents, business owners, and environmental stakeholders the chance to share feedback and ideas on upcoming priorities. The meetings will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Perkins Elementary School in Barrio Logan, and on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Port Aquatic Center in National City. Both events will include Spanish translation, food, and children’s activities to encourage broad participation.
During each meeting, members of the MCAS project team and environmental experts will provide an overview of the Port’s progress to date, followed by an open discussion and Q&A session. The feedback collected will help refine the Port’s remaining objectives, which are scheduled to be presented to the Board of Port Commissioners for review and further direction in 2026.
The MCAS stands as one of California’s most forward-thinking air quality programs, setting goals that go beyond state requirements. At its core, the plan focuses on what Port officials call “Health Equity for All,” emphasizing clean air, improved public health, and environmental justice for communities neighboring port operations.
“The Maritime Clean Air Strategy is not just a policy document; it’s a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future for San Diego Bay,” Port officials said in a statement. “By investing in innovation and listening to our communities, we’re ensuring that the bay remains a place where commerce, culture, and community can thrive together.”
Over the past several years, the Port has made significant strides toward those goals, including the introduction of fully electric cargo-handling equipment and shore power systems for docked vessels to reduce diesel emissions. These initiatives have already contributed to measurable improvements in local air quality and demonstrate how technology and community collaboration can work hand in hand toward cleaner maritime operations.
The Port’s efforts reflect a growing commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, which is an approach increasingly vital to the future of waterfront cities like San Diego.
For more information about the Maritime Clean Air Strategy and upcoming community conversations, visit portofsandiego.org/mcas or contact Josh Kellems at 619-642-1153 or [email protected].