California Passes Bill to Enhance Maritime Safety and Port Efficiency

California’s legislature has approved Assembly Bill 1122, a significant step towards improving mariner safety and port operations stability on the state’s waterways. The bill, led by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield), addresses concerns raised by the maritime industry regarding the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule.

AB 1122 introduces two key provisions: it prohibits CARB from mandating the use of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) on commercial vessels unless they include a bypass-safety system and are certified safe by third-party experts. Additionally, it allows vessel operators to install CARB-mandated equipment during scheduled inspection periods, minimizing disruptions to essential port services.

The bill was prompted by safety concerns surrounding CARB’s CHC rule, which required the installation of DPFs on various vessels critical to California’s supply chain. These filters, while not commercially available for maritime engines, have been associated with fire risks in the trucking industry. The U.S. Coast Guard had previously expressed reservations about enforcing the CHC rule due to these safety concerns.

“The passage of AB 1122 is a critical development for mariner safety, sustainability, and the California and global supply chain,” said Jennifer Carpenter, President and CEO of the American Waterways Operators. “As the most sustainable mode of freight transportation in the United States, we share CARB’s goal of lowering emissions. But the CHC rule as written will create fire hazards that put mariners in harm’s way, and will reduce the availability of vessels essential to safe and efficient port operations.”

The bill, which passed with overwhelming support in both the Senate and Assembly, now awaits Governor Newsom’s signature.

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