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As you know, ships are one of the worst air polluters in
California, and harbor boats are one of the top three cancer risks
for Californians living near the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach,
San Diego and Oakland. Perhaps even more importantly, we know now
that there is unequivocal evidence we are in Code Red due to fossil
fuel emissions.  Now is not the time for a timid response: we must
boldly address climate change in every sector as strongly as we
can.  The current proposal is nowhere near where we need to be:
California must stop investing in diesel operated harbor boats and
instead invest in clean technologies and jobs  now.

The technology exists to transition commercial harbor craft to 100%
clean fleets today. Already, there are over 300 operating
zero-emission ships powered by batteries worldwide, with another
194 on order. 

Given the climate emergency that we are facing, we need bold
climate leadership. Im asking you to strengthen the Commercial
Harbor Craft rule: 

1. Require a 100% zero-emissions transition for the majority of
harbor boats by 2035, including tugboats and barges, which are
excluded from the current rule 
2. Add language to allow the Board to revisit the rule as the
zero-emissions boat market evolves to ensure the regulation
achieves maximum emission reductions 
3. Increase funding for zero-emissions boat pilots and retrofits to
spur innovation 

This is a critical time to protect the health of port-side
communities, Californian families, and our environment. 

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.