On November 19th, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) accepted public testimony from anglers, marine-life enthusiasts, non-profit organizations, marina operators and small business organizations concerned with proposed engine emission regulations. The vast majority of the nearly 100 speakers spoke in opposition to CARB’s proposed rule.
According to CARB, the plan requires engines and technology too large and heavy for existing commercial passenger boats, resulting in vessel replacement starting in January 2023 and as extensions expire.
“The CARB board heard from boat owners that the proposed regulations are economically and structurally infeasible for their family operations,” said Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California. “They also heard from Californians concerned that as boat owners go out of business, they will be denied access to offshore fishing and marine life and with this comes economic consequences for their coastal economies.”
Following public testimony, several board members expressed similar concerns, recognizing that boat owners are family operated businesses and that there is a need for lower engine emission standards that are economically feasible.
“We are encouraged that some members of the board recognize that passenger boats are family operated businesses, providing a valuable service to their community and that they are worth protecting,” said Franke. “Boat owners have been repowering to lower emission engines for years and we remain committed to the environment. We just need to find a reasonable solution that does not require boats to be removed from the waters.”
The CARB board is expected to revisit the proposed regulations early next year, however, to what extent the draft regulations will be revised is unknown at this time.
