Seeing the backlog of giant container ships harboring along the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach brings to the surface a problem much worse than a delay in consumer products. Belching diesel fumes and leaking oils are contributing 100 tons a day of pollution to the already deadly air many Californians must breathe. Even after unloading containers from these massive ships, products are moved inland by diesel powered trucks and trains that essentially spread the pollution problem throughout the travelled areas.
This brings to mind the righteousness of local citizens protesting the development of the Inland Port. Of course we need commerce to continue in maintaining our lifestyles and future needs, but the emphasis on business growth and expansion comes at the cost of our health. Bad outcomes from unbreathable air is a poor tradeoff for easier access to consumer goods. I would like to think we can all survive longer wait times and fewer purchasing choices than gurgling more truck and train emissions.
Horst Holstein, Salt Lake City