Long Beach Airport receives FAA grant for electric vehicles and solar trees

Airports

Long Beach Airport | Long Beach Airport

By Sky Industry News

Sep 27, 2024

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) has received a $680,851 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Zero Emissions Vehicle and Infrastructure Pilot Program. The funding will be used to acquire six electric vehicles and two solar tree vehicle chargers.

"Long Beach Airport continues to find unique ways to integrate zero-emission technology into its operations, underscoring both LGB’s and the City’s commitment to sustainability and resilience,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This generous funding from the FAA is not just an investment for the present—it's ensuring a greener tomorrow.”

The federal grant, combined with $72,803 in airport revenue, will enable LGB to replace fossil-fueled vehicles with electric ones and install new solar charging stations. This project was coordinated by Long Beach Airport in partnership with the City’s Fleet Services Bureau.

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This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from operational equipment on the airfield. In 2020, the airport installed electric chargers for airline ground support equipment (GSE), transitioning two-thirds of its GSE fleet from diesel vehicles to electric equipment.

The project aligns with the Long Beach Climate Action Plan's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. It also supports efforts under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program to reduce emissions per passenger by 20% in 2025 and 40% in 2030. LGB’s ACA accreditation, first awarded in 2021, was renewed earlier this month.

“Long Beach Airport is deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the sustainability of our operations,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “We are grateful for this FAA support to help us take another important step in our journey toward net-zero emissions.”

Located between Los Angeles and Orange counties, Long Beach Airport offers service to 24 nonstop destinations nationwide.

For more information about Long Beach or its airport, visit longbeach.gov or lgb.org.