(San Diego, CA): On Friday, November 19th, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to hold a hearing on engine emission standards for all harbor crafts, including 174 commercial passenger boats that are associated with sportfishing, whale watching, eco-tourism and scuba diving. Nowhere in the Nation has a regulatory agency considered engine emission regulations that will remove boats from service before the lifespan of their vessels and engines have expired. 

WHAT:    Public Hearing of the California Air Resources Board Boat owners to offer public testimony, some from the headquarters of the    Sportfishing Association of California, San Diego.

• WHEN:    Friday, November 19, 2021, 9:00am PST*
• WHERE:   To Watch Virtual Hearing Click Here

The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) has invited boat owners to deliver hearing remarks from the organization’s headquarters. This event is open to the press.

Office Address: 5060 N. Harbor Drive, #165, San Diego, CA

*The proposed harbor craft regulations appear last on the Agenda (21.12.6). Time TBD.

Among all the harbor craft businesses in California, commercial passenger boats are family operations. CARB’s engine regulations have invited bipartisan opposition from State Legislators and a coalition of over 60 local, state and national organizations representing small business, tourism, marina/harbors, local agencies, retail, non-profits, boating and sportfishing. In addition, over 21,000 anglers signed a petition pleading with Governor Newsom to Save Our Boats. The overwhelming number of the 3,265 public comments submitted were by opponents of the regulations.

The hearing follows the release of an economic analysis that undermines CARB’s contention that it is economically feasible for boat owners to start replacing their vessels January 2023 and as extensions expire. Boat owners would have to triple passenger prices for one-day fishing or whale watching trips in order to remain financially solvent.  The analysis also reveals unintended consequences for the state’s economy, fishery and conservation programs and significant declines in fishing participation rates. Hardest hit would be low-income communities.

Background

On September 21, 2021, CARB released its Proposed Amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation. the CARB Board, appointed largely by Governor Gavin Newsom, will hold a virtual hearing November 19, 2021.

The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) is a trade organization representing Southern California sportfishing and whale watching boat and landing owners.  The Golden State Fishermen’s Association represents commercial passenger fishing vessels and marine recreational anglers in Northern California.