Press Enterprise (CA): Cargo's duty

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Cargo's duty

11:14 PM PDT on Friday, August 19, 2005

Southern Californians should not have to pay more so people in other states can buy cheaper T-shirts or DVD players. The bustling cargo trade at Southern California ports clogs local highways and rail lines while adding to the region's air pollution.

Cargo interests, such as manufacturers, shippers and retailers, should begin paying to ease those burdens on California.

State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, withdrew on Tuesday his legislation to impose a $30-per-container fee on cargo moving through Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. The money would have gone to improve transportation, air quality and port security in Southern California. Business groups opposed the idea, and Gov. Schwarzenegger wanted to wait, so Lowenthal deferred. The senator hopes to broker a deal among ports, retailers and shippers before reviving his bill, SB 760.

But a fee on cargo will be necessary for Southern California to absorb the strains that trade activity puts on local infrastructure and air quality.

More..

Online at: http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_D_op_20_ed_cargofee1.226914e2.html