2026 Policy Platform

Mission Statement

The Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce (HAIC) serves as a unified voice and advocate for the harbor business community. Our mission is to address economic, environmental, and public policy matters to support sustainable growth and prosperity across the San Pedro Bay and the broader Southern California goods movement corridor.

Vision Statement

We envision a thriving, resilient harbor economy that leverages its role as a critical economic driver while balancing environmental sustainability and community impact. HAIC achieves this vision through collaborative advocacy, strategic engagement, and a commitment to policies that strengthen the competitiveness of the nation’s busiest port complex.

Core Objectives

Advocacy for Industry Interests
Represent the harbor business community in public hearings, legislative proceedings, regulatory processes, and administrative actions at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure the unique needs of our members are heard, understood, and addressed.

Promotion of Trade and Commerce
Foster the efficient and sustainable movement of goods to strengthen the economic vitality of the San Pedro Bay port complex and its related industries. Advocate for trade policies that protect and enhance the region’s standing as the nation’s premier gateway for international commerce.

Member Engagement and Information Sharing
Provide timely updates and actionable insights on regulatory, economic, trade, and environmental developments to empower our members to make informed decisions and adapt to a rapidly changing policy landscape.

Collaboration for Regional Growth
Partner with stakeholders, policymakers, labor, and the community to advance initiatives that support both business competitiveness and environmental stewardship. Serve as a bridge between industry and government to achieve practical, balanced outcomes.

Strategic Initiatives

Infrastructure Modernization and Investment

• Critical Infrastructure Development.  Advocate for continued investment in port infrastructure, including new terminal capacity, modernized grid systems, and reliable energy solutions to support both current operations and the transition to clean energy.
• Rail and Transportation Efficiency.  Promote the expansion of rail capacity and inland corridors to optimize cargo movement, reduce highway congestion, and improve supply chain fluidity.
  
• Expedited Approvals.  Support streamlined permitting processes and alternative project delivery methods for infrastructure projects to minimize delays while maintaining high environmental and safety standards.
  

International Trade and Competitiveness

Clean Energy, Environment, and Sustainability

• Balanced Environmental Policy.  Promote pragmatic, science-based approaches to air quality and environmental regulations that protect public health and surrounding communities without imposing unworkable timelines or costs that undermine operational viability.
• Zero-Emission Transition.  Advocate for policies that support a responsible transition to zero-emission port operations, including shore power infrastructure, zero-emission cargo handling equipment, and clean truck technologies.
• Funding and Incentives.  Support federal and state incentive programs, grants, and financing mechanisms that assist harbor businesses and operators in meeting clean technology requirements. Advocate for continued EPA Clean Ports Program funding and similar resources that offset the cost of environmental compliance.
• Diversified Energy Solutions.  Encourage policies that support a balanced, reliable clean energy supply from various sources to power port operations and industry, including grid modernization, battery storage, hydrogen, and emerging technologies.

Regulatory Efficiency and Predictability

• Cap-and-Invest Program.  Actively monitor and engage in the California Air Resources Board’s proposed updates to the Cap-and-Invest program (formerly Cap-and-Trade), extended through 2045. Advocate for implementation timelines and allowance structures that account for the unique operational realities of the ports and goods movement sector, and protect against disproportionate cost increases on transportation and logistics.
• Regulatory Certainty.  Following the repeal of the Advanced Clean Fleets drayage provisions, advocate for clear, consistent, and achievable regulatory frameworks that give the business community confidence to make long-term capital investments. Oppose regulatory approaches that create uncertainty or shift compliance targets without adequate lead time.
• Coordinated Oversight.  Advocate for better coordination among local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to reduce redundant or conflicting requirements on port operators, terminal tenants, and the trucking industry.

Workforce Development

• Training for the Future.  Partner with educational institutions, organized labor, and industry stakeholders to develop training programs that prepare workers for emerging technologies and modern port operations. Support investment in the existing workforce while building pipelines for the next generation.
• Career Pathways.  Support initiatives that create equitable access to maritime, logistics, and goods movement careers across the region. Advocate for state and federal investment in career technical education, apprenticeship programs, and workforce transition support for workers affected by technological and regulatory change.

Budget Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility

• State Budget Accountability.  Promote state budgetary decisions grounded in realistic projections and aligned with long-term infrastructure, trade, and environmental needs.
• Federal Funding Advocacy.  Advocate for California’s fair share of federal infrastructure, transportation, and clean energy funding. Ensure that federal grant programs such as the EPA Clean Ports Program and USDOT INFRA grants continue to support the San Pedro Bay port complex
  
  

Public Policy Priorities for 2026

The following ten priorities guide HAIC’s advocacy in 2026:

1. Infrastructure Investment.  Advocate for innovative funding mechanisms, expedited permitting, and timely delivery of critical port infrastructure projects, including new terminal capacity, rail expansion, and grid modernization.
2. Clean Energy Transition.  Support reliable, achievable, and adequately funded pathways to zero-emission port operations that balance environmental goals with operational and economic realities.
3. Cap-and-Invest Implementation.  Monitor CARB’s proposed updates to the Cap-and-Invest program and advocate for cost structures and timelines that do not disproportionately burden the ports, goods movement, and energy sectors.
4. Goods Movement Efficiency.  Champion initiatives that enhance the environmentally responsible and operationally efficient movement of goods across the region, including truck, rail, and waterway improvements.
5. Regulatory Predictability.  Following the Advanced Clean Fleets repeal, advocate for clear and stable regulatory frameworks that allow businesses to plan, invest, and comply with confidence.
6. Workforce Development.  Invest in training, career pathways, and workforce transition programs that ensure the harbor economy has the skilled labor force it needs today and into the future.
7. Budget Transparency.  Promote fiscal accountability in state and local budgetary decisions, ensuring that goods movement and environmental compliance revenues are directed to their intended infrastructure and sustainability purposes.
8. International Trade Advocacy.  Strengthen the region’s position in global commerce through engagement on federal trade policy, port marketing, and partnerships that attract and retain shipping lines and cargo.
9. Technological Advancement.  Invest in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and smart port technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, security, and competitiveness.
10. Water and Environmental Sustainability.  Advance practical water management practices, stormwater compliance, and achievable pathways for environmental regulations affecting harbor operations.