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When you think of California, you might think of cities criss-crossed by highways filled with cars. And while it’s true that our state has been built around smoggy superhighways, vehicles are not the only source of toxic pollution in the state.
Pollution in our ports from boats spewing toxic diesel exhaust harms communities living near these harbors. Shockingly, harbor boats are one of the top three sources of cancer risk for Californians living near the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Oakland.
The good news is that after years of advocacy, California has passed a rule to clean up this pollution by mandating that operators across the state switch to zero-emissions boats, from tug boats to ferries. As advocates, we have been fighting for a strong Harbor Craft rule (as the standard is called) for the past two years, alongside many partners, including East Yards for Environmental Justice, Pacific Environment, EarthJustice, and the American Lung Association.
Our hard work has paid off in ways that will be felt for years to come. In passing a new standard for harbor boats, Governor Newsom and the California Air Resources Board are setting science-based regulations to protect our communities, advance environmental justice, fight pollution in our skies and waters, unlock clean energy investments, and create green jobs.
This victory is profound. It is so exciting to see the infrastructure come together for zero-emission boats and ships at the harbor and cleaner ports for the public.