The US Environmental Protection Agency has referred two California port-related air quality regulations to Congress for review under the Congressional Review Act, potentially opening the door for their repeal. The rules include California’s Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth regulation, which requires increased use of shore power by vessels alongside and mandates significant fleet-wide emission reductions, as well as the Commercial Harbor Craft rule, which imposes stricter emissions requirements on harbour tugs than current US federal standards. The move represents a departure from decades of precedent under which California’s Clean Air Act waivers have been respected by administrations of both political parties. Industry concerns regarding the harbour craft rule have focused on the lack of approved diesel particulate filter technology for tugboats and potential operational and safety challenges. Environmental groups have criticized the decision, arguing that it creates regulatory uncertainty and could undermine investments already made to comply with California’s cleaner port initiatives
