With Labor Dispute Resolved, L.A., Long Beach Mayors Pledge New Levels of Cooperation
Port of Long Beach / http://www.polb.com/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1418&TargetID=1
Ports plan to work together on environmental, security, legislative, supply chain logistics and marketing initiatives
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia today thanked the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association for heeding their call to resolve the labor dispute, and announced plans for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to collaborate on a series of initiatives designed to meet the changing dynamics of seaborne trade and the impacts of those changes on cargo flow through the nation’s largest trade gateway.
The two ports recently submitted to the Federal Maritime Commission an updated cooperative working agreement that clarifies and expands on their existing pact. The proposed update, now in a public comment period which ends this Wednesday, will enable the ports to work together on strategies that will benefit both ports in the areas of supply chain logistics and gateway marketing, as well as environment, security and legislative advocacy.
“With a tentative labor contract announced late last week, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach must collaborate and invest in the future to reach new levels of cargo efficiency and re-enforce our position as the Western Hemisphere’s trade gateway to the world,” said Mayor Garcetti. “With second-to-none infrastructure, a highly skilled labor force and unparalleled industry assets, our two ports need to work with stakeholders to promote our strengths and ensure that jobs and cargo continue to flow into Southern California.”
“Now that our ports are moving again we plan to redouble our efforts to invest in port infrastructure, increase trade and ensure that we remain the best place to do business on the West Coast,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “We are still the largest and most efficient port complex in the country.”
The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are the largest ports in the nation, ranked first and second respectively, and combined are the ninth largest port complex in the world. The two ports handle approximately 43 percent of the nation’s total import traffic and 27 percent of its total exports. More than 3 million direct, indirect and induced jobs are related to cargo movement at the port complex. More than $30 billion in national, state and local taxes are generated from port-related trade each year.
In recent months, the harbor commissions of both ports have requested from the FMC approval of an updated cooperative working agreement to work together on supply chain issues that include greater collaboration in the development of chassis supply and storage solutions, greater vessel call coordination, reduced truck turn-times, and solutions to help address congestion related to marine terminal operations.
“With an agreement in place, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles can focus on velocity, efficiency and environmental sustainability,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Jon Slangerup. “Together, we will quickly re-establish our gateway as the most efficient route between Asia and North America. We thank Mayors Garcia and Garcetti for their leadership and we will all work to clear the current backlog as quickly as possible and put in place new measures to move cargo quickly even during our busiest times.”
“The changing face of seaborne trade is impacting major ports around the world,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “In order to keep our competitive edge, it makes good sense for our ports to strategize and help facilitate changes in the supply chain that will enhance Southern California’s competitive advantage.”
The ports have already been working with the three primary chassis pool providers as they finalize plans to open a “gray chassis pool” or “pool of pools” March 1 that will help ensure more availability and efficient positioning of the truck-trailer chassis used to haul containers to and from the port. The ports also plan to hold a supply chain stakeholder summit once the labor contract is ratified, in order to look at solutions to the cargo flow challenges specific to San Pedro Bay. Shortly, the ports will also re-convene to discuss a new generation of Clean Air Action Plan strategies following recent years of success in reducing air emissions from port-related goods movement in San Pedro Bay and across the region.
San Juan CBP Seizes 222 Pounds of Cocaine Inside Container
U.S. Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/2015-02-24-000000/san-juan-cbp-seizes-222-pounds-cocaine-inside
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) field operations officers seized Sunday 222 pounds (100.5 Kilos) of cocaine inside a duffle bag concealed inside a container arriving from Caucedo, Dominican Republic. The estimated value of the seized contraband is $2.8 million.
CBP field operations officers conducting an inspection of containers on board the vessel M/V Columba Voyage, found 3 carry-on bags containing 90 brick shaped objects inside one of the containers. A field-test of one bricks resulted positive for cocaine.
“International criminal organizations seek to use the supply chain as a means to conceal and move illicit narcotics,” said Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “CBP can work with the trade community to strengthen their security implementing best practices to prevent incidents like this to happen.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents assumed custody of the seized contraband for further investigation.
CBP uses sophisticated methods to identify and target potentially high-risk passengers and cargo, including advanced electronic information about every passenger and cargo shipment entering into the U.S. before their arrival, canine inspections and non-intrusive devices.
CBP Office of Field Operations’ dual mission is to facilitate travel in the United States while we secure our borders, our people and our visitors from those that would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals, and contraband.
CBP and EPA Seize and Re-export More Than 730 Illegal Vehicles, Engines at LA/Long Beach Seaport
US Customs & Border Protection / http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/2015-02-19-000000/cbp-and-epa-seize-and-re-export-more-730-illegal
Equipment Would Have Emitted More Than 350,000 Pounds of Harmful Air Pollution Per Year
LOS ANGELES— Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the results of a 90-day joint operation targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment imported without proper emission controls in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. More than 730 items, including ATVs, motorcycles and generators, were seized or exported back to their country of origin. EPA estimates that the noncompliant vehicles and engines in its enforcement cases announced today would have emitted over 350,000 pounds of pollutants per year. The announcement was made at a CBP warehouse in Carson, Calif. where a live inspection of new imports was conducted.
“Small engines mean big emissions, so we have to be extra vigilant when allowing their entry into our country,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This initiative marks a new chapter in our efforts to prevent air pollution from vehicles and engines.”
Under the joint operation between the two agencies, EPA conducted inspections at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and worked with CBP to investigate companies that had previously imported engines and vehicles. These inspections found that numerous companies imported vehicles and engines without proper certification. As a result of the joint operation’s success, EPA Region 9 will continue to conduct inspections with CBP at the ports on a monthly basis. Engines operating without proper emission controls can emit excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone or smog.
“I’m extremely proud of the diligent and professional work of CBP officers and import specialists who, in coordination with EPA inspectors, applied their keen knowledge and expertise to effectively target, identify and hold suspicious shipments during this joint operation,” said Carlos Martel, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. “The results are outstanding and only attest the great value added when CBP and EPA join forces in protecting American families and the environment.”
The eight cases announced today were a result of the joint operation, as well as prior EPA Region 9 inspections. In total, the companies will pay more than $57,000 in civil penalties. Because the companies involved are first time violators, penalties will significantly rise if they violate Clean Air Act regulations again. EPA and CBP will continue to work together to scrutinize future imports of mobile sources of emissions. The eight EPA cases are:
Nan Fang Distribution Group, LLC
Nan Fang imported 26 uncertified compression ignition engines. The engines, imported as parts, lacked the proper emissions certifications and labels. The engines ranged in horsepower and could be used in trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine applications. Nan Fang was required to export all engine models in its inventory that were in violation out of the country.
Kandi USA, Inc.
Kandi imported 64 uncertified ATVs and go-karts. The nonroad vehicles also contained catalysts that did not conform to the description in the company’s application for certification. EPA required the company to export all ATVs and go-karts in its inventory that were in violation out of the country.
Vantage Vehicle International, Inc.
Vantage imported 21 uncertified nonroad vehicles such as mini trucks, whose catalysts did not conform to the description in the company’s application for certification. The company was required to submit a report to EPA correcting its application for certification.
Dongfang Motor Inc.
Dongfang imported 52 uncertified ATVs. EPA required the company to export all ATVs in violation out of the country.
Dynamic Power Equipment, Inc.
Dynamic Power imported 145 uncertified gasoline or tri-fuel generators that either were not covered by an evaporative emissions certificate or contained catalysts that did not conform to the description in the application for certification. EPA required the company to export the generators in violation out of the country.
Alliance Powersports, Inc.
Alliance Powersports imported 36 uncertified gas powered highway motorcycles that were not covered by an EPA certificate of conformity that shows that the vehicles meet applicable federal emissions standards and requirements. The company was required to export all motorcycles out of the country.
Denebola Motor Sports USA, Inc.
Denebola imported 14 uncertified highway motorcycles and did not have the correct documentation or engine labeling to demonstrate appropriate use of the vehicles. The company demonstrated that the motorcycles were imported for research and development, and not to be sold for on road use and were provided with the necessary exemption information.
Sanven Corporation
Sanven imported 52 uncertified outboard engines and 55 uncertified small spark-ignition engines. EPA required the company to export all 107 engines out of the country.
The Clean Air Act prohibits the importation or sale of any new engines or vehicles unless they are certified by EPA to meet federal emission standards. Every vehicle and engine sold in the U.S. must be covered by an EPA-issued certificate of conformity. To obtain certificates of conformity, manufacturers or importers must submit an application to EPA that describes the engine or vehicle, including its emission control system. The application must also provide emissions data demonstrating that the engines and vehicles will meet applicable federal emission standards. For more information about importing vehicles and engines into the United States, please visit here.
CBP is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. It has regulatory authority for merchandise importation, re-export, seizure and forfeiture of unlawful products entering the U.S. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Please visit CBP’s Border Security webpage to learn how CBP secures the United States at our nation’s ports of entry.
CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Frame Child Carriers
Consumer Product Safety Commission / http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2015/CPSC-Approves-New-Federal-Safety-Standard-for-Frame-Child-Carriers/
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To prevent deaths and injuries to infants and young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of frame child carriers. The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) in favor of the standard on February 18, 2015.
A frame child carrier is made of sewn fabric construction on a tubular metal or other frame and is designed to carry a child who weighs between 16 pounds and 50 pounds and who is able to sit upright unassisted. The frame carriers are worn on the back of the caregiver. This type of carrier is often used for hiking and closely resembles hiking/mountaineering backpacks.
The new federal standard incorporates by reference, with no modifications, the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F2549-14a), Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Frame Child Carriers. The mandatory frame child carrier standard becomes effective 18 months after the standard is published in the Federal Register, and applies to all frame child carriers manufactured or imported on or after that date.
The new safety standard addresses reported hazards associated with frame child carriers, including:
· Sharp points
· Small parts
· Lead in paint
· Flammability requirements
· Scissoring, shearing, pinching
· Openings
· Exposed coil springs
· Locking and latching (for carriers that fold for storage)
· Unintentional folding (for carriers with kick stands that can stand freely)
· Labeling
· Protective components
· Structural integrity
· Leg openings (to help prevent smaller occupants from falling out of the carrier through a single leg opening)
· Dynamic strength (tests the frame, fasteners, and seams/stitching under dynamic conditions to help prevent breakage or separation)
· Static load (ensures the carrier can hold three times the maximum recommended weight)
· Stability (for carriers that can stand freely)
· Restraints (requires that all carriers have a restraint system and also provides a method for testing the restraints), and
· Handle integrity (helps prevent the handle from breaking or separating when it is pulled with three times the maximum recommended weight).
CPSC has received nearly 50 incident reports related to frame child carriers that occurred from January 1, 2003 through September 4, 2014. Thirty-four of those incidents resulted in injuries.
Slings and soft carriers are excluded from this standard and are covered by separate standards.
The Commission is required by The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), to issue consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. In the past 5 years, the Commission has approved new federal safety standards for children’s products, including full-size cribs, non-full-size cribs, play yards, baby walkers, baby bath seats, children’s portable bed rails, toddler beds, infant swings, bassinets and cradles, hand-held infant carriers, bedside sleepers, strollers and soft infant and toddler carriers.
Senate Passes Legislation Targeting Cyber Terrorism
New York State Senator - Dean Skelos / http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senate-passes-legislation-targeting-cyber-terrorism-1
The New York State Senate today passed four bills to crack down on cyber terrorism and its rapidly expanding threat to the state’s security and finances. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville), would enact tougher penalties for cyber-related crimes, create cyber security programs to identify potential risks and threats, and require the state to perform a comprehensive review of all its cyber security measures every five years.
Senator Skelos said, “New York State is an international hub for commerce and is particularly attractive to cyber criminals looking to profit by using the financial or personal information of others. The measures the Senate passed today would significantly increase penalties for cyber attacks and enhance New York’s vigilance in securing important data to help prevent it from being compromised.”
The Senate passed legislation (S3407) that would establish the New York State Cyber Security Initiative to ensure that the state has a proper cyber security defense system in place. It includes:
- The New York State Cyber Security Sharing and Threat Prevention Program to increase the state’s quality and readiness of cyber threat information that will be shared with the public and private sectors;
- A New York State Cyber Security Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment Report to seek recommendations from experts to identify security threats facing the state, its businesses, and its citizens, as well as develop effective ways to combat these security threats; and
- The New York State Cyber Security Advisory Board, which assists the state in making recommendations and finding ways to protect its critical infrastructure and information systems, being codified into law.
Also approved by the Senate today was a bill (S3404) that would create new penalties for cyber crimes. Under the measure, it would be a Class A felony for any person found guilty of intimidating, coercing, or affecting the public or a government entity by causing mass injury, damage, or debilitation of people or their property, including computers and related programs, data networks, or material. A new Class C felony would include anyone who uses a computer to cause serious financial harm affecting more than 10 people.
Additional legislation (S3406) would make it a Class B felony for those who use a computer or device to carry out a cyber attack when such an attack causes financial harm in excess of $100,000 to another person, partnership, or corporation, individually or collectively.
The Senate also passed a measure (S3405) that would require the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to work with the Superintendent of State Police, the Chief Information Officer, and the President of the Center for Internet Security to complete a comprehensive review of New York’s cyber security measures every five years, and create a sequential report to summarize its findings. The report would identify the state’s security needs and detail how those needs are being met to ensure that the best security practices are in place to protect New Yorkers from cyber terrorism.
The bills will be sent to the Assembly.