Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation Technical Working Group Workshops Save the Date

 The Technical Working Group (TWG)

In Resolution 22-6 approving the amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Regulation on March 24, 2022, CARB’s Board directed staff to form a technical working group to assess the commercial availability of lower-emitting combustion engines and zero-emission technology for harbor craft and report back to the Board by December 31, 2024 and every two years thereafter through December 31, 2032. The TWG welcomes all affected stakeholders including vessel operators, industry associations, environmental and community-based organizations, community members, zero-emission or alternative fuel technology developers, engine and after-treatment manufacturers, academic institutions, government agencies, and members of the public.


The third virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (PDT).


More details and virtual meeting registration information will be sent via GovDelivery closer to the workshop date. Meeting materials will be posted as they are available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/commercial-harbor-craft


If you have questions regarding the Technical Working Group, contact Adriana Chavez at adriana.chavez@arb.ca.gov


For general questions about the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation, contact harborcraft@arb.ca.gov


Background

On December 30, 2022, the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Regulation, California Code of Regulations (CCR) title 17, section 93118.5, and title 13, section 2299.5. The amended CHC Regulation went into effect on January 1, 2023. 


The amended CHC Regulation will reduce emissions from harbor craft operated in California waters and improve public health in nearby communities, many of which are disadvantaged. By 2035, the amended CHC Regulation is expected to result in an 89 percent reduction of diesel particulate matter and a 52 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides from regulated CHC. The amended regulation will also reduce the cancer risk to over 22 million residents who live near the coast and up to 50 miles inland.