West OC Times

Rep. Michelle Steel and a group of California Congressional Delegation members have voiced concerns over a new state regulation that could potentially have negative implications on mariner safety and the economy. The regulation in question, the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule, mandated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), requires towing vessels in the state to install diesel particulate filters (DPFs) at a significant cost to vessel owners.

In a letter addressed to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the lawmakers expressed their apprehensions, stating, "Moving forward with this rule and requiring towing vessels to undergo substantial retrofitting by the beginning of 2025 threatens mariner safety, property loss, and the environment surrounding California’s heavily trafficked ports."

Highlighting the economic impact of the regulation, they warned, "If the CHC emissions rule takes effect as is, it could create unnecessary economic strain and impact over 50,000 jobs in the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry." The legislators emphasized the vital role of this industry in supporting California's ports, which handle nearly 665 million tons of domestic cargo annually.

The representatives also criticized CARB's approach, stating, "CARB’s continued disregard for key stakeholder input requires swift action before the eagerness of some to fulfill a regulatory agenda risks Californians’ safety and economic well-being." They urged Gov. Newsom to intervene and delay the implementation of the Commercial Harbor Craft rule beyond its scheduled effective date of December 31, 2024.

The letter was co-signed by Reps. John Duarte, Ken Calvert, Jay Obernolte, and Young Kim, all from various California districts. The delegation's collective plea to reconsider the regulation stems from their shared concerns about the potential repercussions on the maritime industry and the state's economy.