Comment Log Display

I am writing on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
regarding CARB's proposed harbor craft regulations that current
written would lead to an economic disaster for California coastal
communities and the small businesses that are in the sportsfishing,
whale watching and related activities along our coast.

The Santa Cruz County Chamber was created in 1889 as the Santa Cruz
Board of Trade which repressed the businesses in our region-- who
were farmers, ranchers, lumber companies and a strong fishing
industry.  Many of these small businesses in the fishing industry
are  fourth and five generation family owned operations in Santa
Cruz County. Over the decades and most recently because of the
increased concern about climate change and the impact on the
coastal waters of California, the fishing industry -- like the
agencies that regulate our air and waterways -- have a vested
interest in protecting the Monterey Bay -- home to the Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary. These local small businesses operators
want to find solutions that are both environmental sensible as well
as economic viable.  

The sport fishing industry is committed to reducing engine
emissions, however the CARB staff proposed harbor craft regulations
will disproportionally impact family operations by mandating engine
technology that has not been developed yet or in other cases,
proven safe in coastal waters. The consequences of mandating boat
owners to replace their vessels or reconstruct boat hulls as soon
as 2023 is extraordinarily unrealistic and cost prohibitive. 

The Santa Cruz County Chamber encourages CARB to work with the
sports fishing industry on reasonable solutions that can
effectively reduce carbon emissions and allow for a critical
coastal industry to stay in business.  

Thank you for considering the view of the Santa Cruz County Chamber
of Commerce.

Respectfully submitted,


Casey Beyer
Chief Executive Officer