- Maritime Unions and Organizations Urge EPA to Block CARB’s Harbor Craft Rule
- Safety Concerns Raised Over Diesel Particulate Filters in CARB’s Proposed Rule
- Governor Newsom’s Veto of Safety Bill Sparks Industry Concerns
Many prominent maritime organisations including the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA), the American Waterways Operators (AWO), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (IOMMP), and the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific (IBU) – have jointly written a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. The letter raises significant safety and economic concerns regarding the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) proposed amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA), reports Safety4sea.
Safety Risks with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs)
The letter reminds the reader that the CARB rule mandates the utilization of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). That technology is still untested and probably harmful to commercial harbour craft. The particular concerns raised were:
- Fire risks connected to DPFs while under regeneration.
- A vessel’s manoeuvrability is impaired by them, which may pose a risk not only to the crew but also to the cargo.
Veto by Governor Newsom and Legislative Efforts
Despite the bipartisan support for such a bill, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the proposed legislation. As a result, this has triggered alarm bells ringing in the maritime industry because stakeholders fear it will compromise mariner safety and the stability of the maritime supply chain.
Coast Guard Warnings on Safety Risks
The U.S. Coast Guard has also voiced its concerns over DPFs, saying that the mandate may raise potential safety concerns. The letter says that CARB has dismissed the concerns, which may cause compliance conflicts between federal and state regulations.
Economic Impact on California’s Maritime Industry
The letter warns that if CARB’s CHC rule is implemented, it would lead to extreme economic disruption. Possible effects include:
- Loss of jobs in California’s maritime industry, which employs more than 50,000 people.
- Disruptions to an industry that contributes over $12 billion annually to the California economy.
Request for EPA to Reject CARB’s Authorization
The maritime organizations appeal to the EPA to reject CARB’s authorization request, pointing out that regulatory decisions should be both safe and economically viable.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4Sea
