Climate Action and Sustainability

The challenge of climate change demands leadership at every level, and cities are increasingly at the forefront of the solutions. In Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson has embraced that responsibility—advancing bold, equity-driven climate policies that protect the environment, strengthen public health, and prepare neighborhoods for the impacts of a warming world.

As part of that work, Richardson serves on the Climate Mayors National Steering Committee, joining leaders from cities across the country working to accelerate local climate solutions. Long Beach’s efforts demonstrate how cities can cut emissions, electrify infrastructure, and grow their economies in a new and more sustainable direction at the same time.

Regionally, Long Beach is helping lead collaborative action to improve air quality and reduce pollution impacting frontline communities. A historic enforceable agreement between the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District is advancing zero-emission port infrastructure while protecting good-paying union jobs and delivering cleaner air for surrounding neighborhoods.

Locally, Richardson’s administration is implementing the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, accelerating investments in renewable energy, clean mobility, zero-emission buildings, open space, and green infrastructure to ensure Long Beach remains resilient, sustainable, and prepared for the future.

Green Shipping Corridor

Long Beach is helping lead the global transition to cleaner maritime shipping through the Green Shipping Corridor, an international partnership focused on decarbonizing trade routes between the San Pedro Bay ports and global partners  in Shanghai and Singapore. The initiative advances the deployment of zero-emission vessels, cleaner fuels, and next-generation port infrastructure to reduce emissions from one of the world’s busiest trade gateways while supporting the long-term sustainability of the region’s supply chain economy.

The City has also broken ground on the Pier B On-Dock Rail Facility, a transformative infrastructure project that will move up to 35 percent of cargo by rail—significantly reducing truck traffic, congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions across the region.

Protecting Air, Water, and Natural Spaces

Mayor Richardson’s sustainability agenda includes major investments in restoring natural ecosystems and protecting waterways. In partnership with Councilwoman Kristina Duggan, the City is advancing the restoration of more than 150 acres of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, representing the largest expansion of public green space in Long Beach since El Dorado Park was developed in the 1960s. The project will restore critical habitat, improve local flood resilience, and expand public access to nature and open space without requiring public funding.

The City is also advancing an innovative trash-capture system at the mouth of the Los Angeles River and pursuing stronger rules to hold upstream polluters accountable, helping protect the health and accesibility of Long Beach’s coastline and marine ecosystems.

Lessening Reliance on Oil Revenues

Mayor Richardson has led Long Beach to launch a long-term plan to phase out reliance on local oil revenues. In 2023, he committed to ending the use of oil production revenues in the City’s General Fund by 2030, reducing the city's exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. He co-authored and advocated for the successful adoption of CA Senate Bill 1425, increasing the state’s oil abandonment savings to allow Long Beach to successfully decommission and remediate local oil operations in the future. This transition plan balances climate goals with fiscal responsibility by identifying alternative revenue sources and economic growth opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, green technology, tourism, and emerging industries to help diversify and strengthen Long Beach's economic base.

Westside Promise

The Westside Promise is a signature community revitalization initiative launched by Mayor Richardson and Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga to address decades of environmental injustice and disinvestment in West Long Beach. The initiative focuses on cleaner air, improved public health, and expanding economic opportunities for residents living near the Port.

Through the Westside Promise, the City is investing in infrastructure improvements, parks, stormwater management, and enhanced city services while working with regional partners to reduce pollution and improve neighborhood quality of life. The effort reflects the Mayor’s broader Grow Long Beach strategy to ensure sustainability and economic growth benefit every community.

Sustainable Mobility and a Greener Future

Long Beach is also advancing cleaner transportation options that support climate goals while improving mobility. The City is working with regional partners to expand more frequent, cleaner A- Line rail service, strengthen coastal transit connections, and explore expanded water taxi and ferry service along the Southern California coastline.

These investments are helping Long Beach prepare for the future—including welcoming the world during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games—while building a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city.