The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach -- which together make up the nation's busiest harbor complex and one of the key engines of the Southern California economy -- are poised for an 18-Wheel Revolution. In April, they unveiled a plan to slash diesel pollution from the 16,000 trucks that haul goods to nearby rail yards and warehouses by 80 percent. And that's only the beginning.

The plan -- which still needs final approval -- also seeks to upgrade conditions for truck drivers, who some say work in virtual "sweatshops on wheels." But is the plan practical? Will it undermine the ports competitiveness' and drive trade elsewhere? Is it just a backdoor way for the Teamsters union to organize drivers?

New America's Rick Wartzman moderated this July 24 Zcalo panel discussion, which included S. David Freeman, president of the L.A. board of Harbor Commissioners; Patricia Castellanos, co-director of the Clean and Safe Ports Campaign; transportation policy consultant Nancy Pfeffer; and Michael Lightman, president of Great Freight Inc.

Zcalo, which bills itself as "a cultural forum for the new L.A.," presents a vibrant series of programs that feature thinkers and doers speaking on some of the most pressing topics of the day. Bringing together an extraordinarily diverse group of Angelenos, Zcalo -- "Public Square" in Spanish -- seeks to create a non partisan and multiethnic forum where participants can enjoy a rare opportunity for intellectual fellowship. The discussions air weekly on Los Angeles' KPCC 89.3 FM.