Oakland, CA 02-25-08 – Strengthening the Port of Oakland’s focus on the environment, the Port Board of Commissioners recently created an Environmental Liaison position on their Board. President Anthony Batarse announced his appointment of Commissioner Margaret Gordon as the Commission’s very first Environmental Liaison at the Commission’s last meeting on February 19, 2008.
“We are stepping up our efforts in the environmental arena, with an important focus on air quality,” stated Anthony Batarse, President of the Port Board of Commissioners, at the Commission’s last meeting. “I’ve asked Commissioner Margaret Gordon to serve as an Environmental Liaison to the Port Board. Her expertise related to air quality and her experience as a West Oakland health and environmental advocate will serve the board well,” added Batarse.
Over the last decade, Margaret Gordon has been involved locally, regionally and nationally as a health and environmental advocate. A recipient of the 2007 Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame award, Ms. Gordon is one of the founding members of both the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project and the Alameda County Stakeholder Project for the Environmental Health Tracking Project.
“There’s no may or maybe,” stated Commissioner Gordon. “The Port of Oakland must develop true commitments, collaborations and partnerships with impacted residents. The issues are of public health, environmental justice, equity, independent truckers having better working conditions, local small trucking businesses, and access to capacity and sustainability. The role of a commissioner is to make the Port of Oakland the model city port, to encourage social responsibility and to serve the citizens of Oakland. Our policies should ensure that many voices effect change and that the Port of Oakland grows in an accountable and transparent manner,” added Gordon.
In 2006, Ms. Gordon was a presenter at a Port-related conference concerned with trucking, shipping and logistics sponsored by the Intermodal Maritime Association, while also contributing to the development of three community-based participatory research reports and the publications, "Neighborhood Knowledge for Change," "Reducing Diesel Pollution in West Oakland" and “Paying with Our Health”
Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar Benjamin said, “We are fortunate to have someone on our board who is en expert on air quality. We are committed to working with our community and regulatory partners to reduce air pollution at the Oakland seaport. Having Commissioner Gordon as an Environmental Liaison to the board will be extremely helpful as we move forward with important projects that will improve the air for all of us.”
The Port’s mission statement includes enhancing the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the City of Oakland and the region, while generating earnings to reinvest in its activities.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. Its seaport is the 4th busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers more than 200 daily non-stop flights to 40 domestic and international destinations; and the Port’s commercial real estate includes Jack London Square, Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland.
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com
