Comment Log Display

Dear California Air Resources Board:

Harbor craft, such as tugboats, ferries, barges and dredges,
contribute to a increased health and cancer risks to millions of
Californians near the ports and beyond. I am signing my name to
support strengthening the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation
("CHC") for cleaner air. Harbor craft, many of them old and
polluting, emit a toxic brew of diesel particulate matter.
Particulate matter gets into your lungs, weakens your immune
system, and causes ground-level ozone, which can reach unhealthy
levels on hot days. The technology exists for zero-emissions boats
and ships: Just like cars and trucks, boats and ships must
transition off fossil fuel.

I join fellow public officials to end the continued emissions from
harbor craft across the state of California. This proposed rule
amendment is an answer to clean up an industry that continues to
use the lowest quality of technology and dirtiest fuel at the
expense of residents nearby our harbors and beyond. This rule
avoids 531 premature deaths statewide, 161 hospital admissions, 236
emergency room visits, providing $5.25 billion in benefits versus
$1.98 billion in costs, according to recent findings from air
quality experts at the California Air Resources Board. Our health
cannot afford additional delays in adopting this rule.

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

1. Move forward with a strong rule now to advance zero-emissions
and clean up the dirtiest engines in other commercial harbor craft
categories.

2. Set all ferries, tugboats, dredges and barges on an
electrification pathway right now and require full electrification
by 2035.

3. Direct staff to revisit the rule with the Board as the
zero-emissions boat market evolves to ensure the regulation
achieves maximum emission reductions

4. Increase funding for zero-emissions boat pilots, retrofits and
new vessels to spur innovation

Let's keep California on a path towards innovation and clean air.

Sincerely 
Port Commissioner Sandy Naranjo