WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 29, 2010) Following the introduction of the Clean Ports Act of 2010, authored by U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) with 57 original co-sponsors, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster: 

"We commend Congressman Nadler and his co-authors for their efforts to reduce air pollution at our nation's ports, improve public health, and create good jobs while ensuring prosperity and security for America's truck drivers by alleviating the unfair burden placed upon them by the trucking industry. 

"We have seen the obvious success of the L.A. Clean Truck Program, and this bill will help right a great injustice when that program was halted. A broad coalition of stakeholders has been and will continue to support efforts to clean up America's ports and make sure companies, not truck drivers, are the responsible parties to maintain, upgrade and update to cleaner, more fuel-efficient fleets. This legislation will allow programs in other states to finally move forward and become success stories in their own right.

"Greening our ports and cleaning up our environment is not a burden that should fall on hard working truck drivers already suffering under low wages and deplorable working conditions. Instead, industry should foot the bill to ensure public health and cleaner ports."

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The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the clean energy economy. Launched by the United Steelworkers and Sierra Club in 2006, the BlueGreen Alliance now includes the Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Laborers' International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, Utility Workers Union of America, American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated Transit Union, and the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association.