Organizations representing California commercial vessel operators and maritime workers are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) request for new rules on commercial harbor craft.
The organizations represented in the letter include the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA); the American Waterways Operators (AWO); the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (IOMMP); and the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific (IBU). The letter, addressed to Administrator Regan, expresses significant concerns regarding the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) request for authorization to enforce amendments to its Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA). It highlights the following key points:
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Safety risks: The letter argues that the proposed rule mandates the use of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) that are currently unproven and potentially unsafe for commercial harbor craft. The technology poses serious risks, including fire hazards during the regeneration process and compromised vessel maneuverability.
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Governor’s veto: Despite strong bipartisan support for a bill that aimed to address these concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the legislation. This veto raised alarms about the safety of mariners and the maritime supply chain.
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Coast guard concerns: The U.S. Coast Guard has expressed apprehensions about the DPF requirements, indicating that they could pose safety issues. The letter notes that CARB dismissed these concerns, which could lead to conflicts between state and federal compliance.
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Economic impact: The letter warns that implementing CARB’s rule could result in significant job losses and economic disruption in California’s maritime industry, which supports over 50,000 jobs and generates more than $12 billion in economic activity.
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Request for EPA action: The organizations urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject CARB’s authorization request, emphasizing the need for safety and feasibility in regulatory decisions that impact mariner safety and the U.S. economy.
Overall, the letter advocates for a careful evaluation of CARB’s proposals to ensure that environmental regulations do not compromise the safety of maritime operations or the economic stability of the industry.
To remind, The California Air Resources Board (CARB) on 18 October received authorization for its 2020 At-Berth Regulation, which further reduces pollution from ocean-going vessels while docked at California’s busiest ports
