Rep. Barragán Statement on EPA Authorization of the California Clean Shipping Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep Nanette Barragán Oct. 17 (CA-44) released the below statement following an announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA granting authorization for a California regulation that will reduce air pollution from diesel-powered ships:

“I commend EPA for granting authorization for the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) ‘Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation.’ This will reduce air pollution in California and protect the health of millions of people who are impacted by emissions from diesel-powered ships, especially our port communities. This is a critical step for California’s leadership on zero-emission shipping and our fight against the climate crisis.”

Last week, Congresswoman Barragán and Senator Padilla led 16 California Members in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, urging the EPA to grant authorization for CARB’s authorization request.

Background

On Oct. 11 Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) led 16 California members in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency or EPA Administrator Michael Regan, urging the EPA to grant authorization for the California Air Resources Board’s or CARB request from September 2022 for its ocean-going vessels at-berth regulation. The authorization is essential to reduce air pollution in California and protect the health of millions of people who are impacted by emissions from diesel-powered ships. The letter urges authorization be granted by Oct. 31, 2023.

California’s At-Berth Regulation would require large ships to plug into shore power at ports, rather than run their engines on toxic bunker fuel. It has been one year since California submitted its request to the EPA, and no action has been taken. The delay in authorization has slowed down efforts by CARB to reduce ship emissions. Californians, especially in portside communities, bear disproportionate health burdens from this pollution and deserve immediate relief.