Bill > AB14

This bill establishes the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, which aims to reduce air pollution, protect marine mammals, and support sustainable shipping along the California coast. The program requires the Ocean Protection Council to participate as a stakeholder and advisor, working with air pollution control districts, air quality management districts, and other stakeholders to implement a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative. The program will apply to vessels 300 gross tons or larger and include components such as marketing to engage cargo owners, data collection on ship speeds and underwater acoustic impacts, and incentives for vessels traveling at reduced speeds (10 knots or less). The bill recognizes the significant maritime industry in California, which employs over 500,000 people, and highlights the environmental benefits of the existing program, including reductions in nitrogen oxides, greenhouse gas emissions, and diesel particulate matter, as well as decreasing the risk of whale strikes. The participating air districts will be required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2029, detailing the program's implementation, with the goal of expanding the current program to additional coastal areas like San Diego and the North Coast to further improve public health and marine ecosystem protection.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB14