Congress moves to kill California’s shipping waivers, port communities and businesses will bear the consequences
Congress introduced resolutions that attack two of California’s shipping waivers, the Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft waivers. For 50 years, the precedent set under both Democratic and Republican administrations is that the Clean Air Act waivers are not rules. EPA’s move to reclassify them is misuse. At-Berth · House: H.J.Res.210 sponsored by ...
Congress has introduced resolutions aiming to repeal two waivers that California utilizes for its shipping industry, causing concern among port communities and businesses. The Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft waivers, both established over five decades ago during Democratic and Republican administrations, have been deemed "not rules" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when reclassified.
The At-Berth Regulation has provided long-term regulatory certainty for the shipping industry, working to protect public health and reduce air pollution since 2007, with updates in 2020. Compliance with these regulations has required years of planning and significant capital investment from ports, terminal operators, vessel owners, utilities, and equipment manufacturers.
Removing the waivers now would introduce uncertainty, jeopardize these investments, and penalize businesses reliant on stability. The 2020 At-Berth Regulation alone could save $2.31 billion in health costs, prevent 230 lives, and spare 73 hospital admissions and 116 emergency room visits. The Commercial Harbor Craft Rule would prevent 530 lives and improve air quality for 9.7 million Californians.
Environmental groups argue that congressional actions undermine California's clean shipping waivers and the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry, advocating for a shift towards zero-emission ferries and the adoption of clean maritime technologies.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.