The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority has reported measurable success in reducing emissions despite continued growth in cargo volumes, according to findings presented during its regular monthly meeting.
Chairman Ric Campo opened the meeting by highlighting the recently published Goods Movement Emissions Inventory (GMEI) report, which tracks port-related air emissions.
Data shows that Port Houston’s initiatives to reduce emissions, such as buying hybrid equipment, are delivering measurable results, with a number of improvements compared to the previous report from 2019.
“Since 2019, our total tonnage and container volumes have increased by 16 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively, yet related GHG emissions have only increased by 10 per cent,” said Chairman Campo.
“We have added 280 pieces of cargo handling equipment, but emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter are down by 7 per cent and 4 per cent. Emissions of criteria pollutants, which are common air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act, are 2 per cent to 7 per cent lower.
“These results show that our emission-reduction efforts are working, and we are moving in the right direction.”
The Port Commission also approved items related to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Ports Program (CPP) grant. With that approval, Port Houston will engage strategic partners and move forward with several sustainability initiatives, including:
- An inventory of the port’s Scopes 1, 2, and 3 for greenhouse gas emissions.
- A Port Area Climate Action Plan for the area and surrounding communities.
- A CPP Truck Route Analysis.
- Creation of the CPP Trucking Industry Collaborative.
- Design of a customised website for Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education, a non-profit leading maritime workforce development effort in local schools.
Chairman Campo also announced the completion of a historic milestone during the meeting. The Port Houston-led dredging for the Houston Ship Channel Expansion, known as Project 11, is officially complete.
It is anticipated that in the coming days, the final Aids to Navigation (ATONs) will be marked, and the expanded channel will be fully open through Galveston Bay, helping improve two-way navigation throughout the Houston Ship Channel.
“This expansion work helps secure the Houston Ship Channel for the future as well as the jobs that rely on it,” said Chairman Campo.
“This is a historic milestone, and I commend the Port Houston team, elected officials, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and industry partners who helped prioritise the project.”
Earlier this summer, Port Houston welcomed the President’s FY 2026 budget, which includes $214.6 million for the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway.
