The greater Puget Sound region currently meets federal air quality standards — and Forum partners want to keep it that way. Marine diesel engines are believed to be significant generators of fine particle and toxic emissions, which is a growing concern for public health and a top priority of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and other regulators. The Forum is committed to identifying maritime-related sources and seeking ways to reduce diesel emissions from these activities.

The purpose of the Forum is to work collaboratively to:

• Build greater technical understanding of maritime-related air emissions and their impacts on public health and the environment, starting with preparation of a high quality maritime air emissions inventory;

• Support implementation of cost-effective maritime air pollution control strategies by sharing expertise and resources and building partnerships when activities require the cooperation of multiple organizations for success; and

• Serve as the Puget Sound forum for the ports and vessels track of the West Coast Diesel Emissions Reduction Collaborative — a public-private partnership working to reduce air pollution emissions from diesel sources along the West Coast. The Collaborative is part of an overall national campaign to reduce diesel emissions.