The American Waterways Operators (AWO) urges Governor Newsom to withdraw the 2022 amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule.
Following the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) recent decision to revoke its requests for enforcing emissions regulations on the state’s truck and rail industries, harbor craft remain the only freight sector subject to these requirements. According to AWO, these amendments unfairly single out harbor craft for stringent emissions regulations, while exempting the truck and rail industries. This places vessel operators at a competitive disadvantage, threatening California’s maritime sector, economy, and mariner safety.
The CHC rule’s mandate for diesel particulate filters (DPFs) on vessels presents serious safety risks, as no certified marine-compatible technology exists. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has raised concerns about fire hazards associated with DPFs, which could endanger mariners, AWO notes.
Additionally, AWO pointed out that the financial burden of these retrofits, estimated at $5 million per vessel, would force many operators out of business, endangering over 50,000 California jobs and $12.2 billion in economic activity.
The compliance process is also excessively burdensome, requiring vessel owners to submit costly engineering analyses with no guarantee of approval. Limited drydock capacity and supply chain delays further complicate retrofits. If enforced, these regulations will drive maritime operators out of California, increasing reliance on less sustainable transportation modes and disrupting the supply chain, the letter highlights.
AWO urges Governor Newsom to reconsider these amendments and work towards a policy that balances environmental goals with economic viability and mariner safety.
