The Navy has expanded a first-of-its-kind agreement with the Port of San Diego that gives the U.S. Navy access to participate in California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) market.
(San Diego, Calif., April 28, 2023) The Navy has expanded a first-of-its-kind agreement with the Port of San Diego that gives the U.S. Navy access to participate in California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) market.
Under the groundbreaking 2022 joint Memorandum of Understanding, funds generated from the sale of LCFS credits are used to begin significant upgrades to the electrical infrastructure at Naval Base San Diego and the Port of San Diego. Since the signing of that agreement, $4.5 million has been generated from the sale of LCFS credits. The new agreement between the Navy and the Port, signed Wednesday, April 26, 2023, allows the Navy to generate credits at two additional bases, Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base Point Loma.
"Our collaboration with the Port of San Diego has already proven very successful, providing the Navy with a unique opportunity to upgrade our electrical infrastructure," said Rear Adm. Brad Rosen, Commander, Navy Region Southwest. "Expanding this agreement to include two more of our local Navy installations strengthens the Navy's mission readiness and energy resilience, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality around San Diego Bay. This is a win for the Navy, the Port, and the people of San Diego."
"Once again, San Diego is leading the way in innovative strategies to improve air quality and public health. We couldn't be more thrilled to help facilitate the Navy's expansion of this program as it means more money for and earlier deployment of clean air projects for our region. It's a big win for our agencies and an even bigger win for our neighbors in the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, and National City," said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
The Navy's participation in this program is the first ever participation by the Department of Defense in this type of carbon reduction effort. The Navy generates LCFS credits while ships are plugged into shore power, rather than generating power internally using traditional, carbon-intensive fuels, and limiting emissions of greenhouse gasses in the surrounding community. Connecting ships to shore power while in port directly aligns with two Presidential Executive Orders requiring all federal agencies to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy activities.
The LCFS is a cap-and-trade-like program where the producers of fossil fuels must either increase the use of plant-based carbon (e.g., ethanol and soybean oil) or buy credits to meet the requirement. The Navy generates credits via its current use of shore power for its fleet. One LCFS credit generated is equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide reduced. Creation of credits can be achieved utilizing alternative low carbon fuels or electrification.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT NAVY REGION SOUTHWEST
As the Naval shore installation management headquarters for the Southwest region (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico), Navy Region Southwest provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region. This includes providing expertise in areas such as housing, environmental, security, family services, port services, air services, bachelor quarters, supply, medical and logistical concerns for the hundreds of thousands of active-duty, reserve and retired military members in the area. The command also serves as the regional coordinator for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, headquartered in Hawaii, coordinating support for bases in Southern California and Nevada. We will be the best at efficiently delivering the right level of shore support services the meets our customer’s mission requirements, reduces risk and ensures our Operational Forces are ready to take the fight to the enemy.
-- 30 --