Bill > SB298

This bill requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) to develop a comprehensive plan by December 31, 2030, addressing alternative fuel needs for oceangoing vessels at California's public seaports. The plan must identify infrastructure trends, permitting barriers, available facilities for alternative fuel development, and provide forecasts of fuel demand and transition costs. To develop this plan, the Energy Commission will convene a working group comprising representatives from seaports, marine operators, carriers, labor groups, environmental advocates, fuel providers, transportation agencies, and regulatory bodies. The bill specifically aims to support the transition to lower-emission fuels in maritime transportation, aligning with international maritime organization goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, the legislation emphasizes maintaining California's economic competitiveness in global trade while reducing emissions, and explicitly states that the plan should not promote or address automated cargo handling equipment. The Air Resources Board will provide technical information about vessel fuel regulations to support the plan's development, and the final document will be focused exclusively on alternative fuels for oceangoing vessels.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB298