Defend the clean-air protections California communities and businesses depend on
UPDATE: Congress could vote on California’s clean shipping waivers as soon as September 2026. Now is the time to contact your members of Congress and urge them to protect California’s clean-air protections.
California has made important progress in reducing harmful pollution from ships, ports and harbor vessels. But that progress is under threat. Federal attacks on California’s clean-air protections could undermine existing safeguards, strand investments businesses have already made and increase health costs for workers and families. At the same time, California is considering new action to address pollution from ships traveling through its waters.
As shipping traffic continues to grow, Pacific Environment is fighting to defend California’s progress and advance the stronger protections communities need for the future.
Communities living near California’s ports have long faced some of the highest levels of air pollution in the state. More than 31 million people live within three miles of a U.S. port, where pollution from ships and other maritime activity threatens public health, contributes to climate change and disproportionately impacts nearby communities.
California must do both: defend the progress it has made and continue advancing toward a zero-emission maritime future that delivers cleaner air, healthier communities, climate benefits and innovative technologies.
Reduce harmful air pollution affecting communities and workers near ports.
Cut greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transportation and shipping.
Protect people living and working near ports and freight corridors.
Accelerate investment in zero-emission vessels and port infrastructure.
No two ships are quite alike. Ocean-going vessels and harbor craft — from tugboats and ferries to cargo ships and tankers — are largely custom-built or made in small batches to fit a specific job, route, or cargo, not mass-produced like cars off an assembly line. That’s why California’s clean shipping transition isn’t a one-size-fits-all: it requires tailored action at the dock, on the water and beyond the port.
Together, three key policies represent different — but connected — parts of the state’s effort to reduce maritime pollution and move toward a cleaner future. Two existing regulations are facing federal threats, while a third could extend California’s efforts to address pollution from ships in transit.
California’s At-Berth Regulation requires regulated ocean-going vessels to reduce emissions while docked through shore power or other approved control strategies.
THE FIGHT: Federal action threatens California’s ability to maintain this important protection, which has regulated emissions from ships at port since 2007. Rolling back the waiver could undermine efforts to reduce harmful ship pollution at port.
THE IMPACT: 80% reduction in harmful emissions since 2014, with 230+ lives projected to be saved and $2.31 billion in health benefits.
California’s Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Regulation reduces emissions from tugboats, ferries, workboats, fishing vessels and other harbor craft by requiring cleaner engines or emission-control technologies.
THE FIGHT: A federal challenge could disrupt the regulation and put cleaner technologies already adopted by California’s maritime industry at risk.
THE IMPACT: 89% reduction in particulate matter and 54% reduction in NOx projected by 2038, protecting 9.7 million Californians.
California’s proposed In-Transit Rule would address emissions from ocean-going vessels operating in California waters — extending efforts to reduce pollution beyond the port.
THE FIGHT: Advance the next generation of clean shipping protections. Pacific Environment is working to ensure the rule delivers meaningful benefits for communities and the climate while supporting the transition to zero-emission shipping.
THE OPPORTUNITY: Address emissions from ships in transit and accelerate the shift toward cleaner vessels and technologies.
The fight over California’s clean shipping policies is about more than individual regulations. It will shape public health, business investment, state authority and the future of maritime transportation.
A vote on California’s clean-air protections could come as soon as September 2026. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose efforts to overturn California’s clean shipping waivers and protect the state’s authority to safeguard its air.
Read the latest updates and resources related to clean shipping in California, including upcoming workshops deadlines to get involved.
California has an opportunity to keep leading on clean air and clean shipping. Add your voice to the call for stronger protections that safeguard public health, reduce pollution and move California toward a cleaner shipping future.