⚠︎ STATUS: UNDER THREAT
zero-emission ferry mandate in the United States
deadline for short-run California ferries to transition to zero emissions
zero-emission harbor vessels already operating worldwide, with hundreds more on order
California’s Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Regulation sets emissions standards for the smaller vessels that keep ports, harbors and waterways moving every day. These vessels support everything from towing and dredging to ferry service, fishing and harbor operations — and they operate close to workers and coastal communities.
The regulation requires harbor craft operators to reduce emissions through measures including:
Cleaner engines: Transition to Tier 3 or Tier 4 engines where required
Renewable diesel: Use cleaner fuels that meet the regulation’s requirements
Zero-emission technology: New excursion vessels must be zero-emission capable, and short-run ferries must transition to zero emissions
Engine upgrades: Tugboats and workboats must meet increasingly stringent emissions standards
Reporting and recordkeeping: Ports and facilities that host harbor craft must maintain required records and report compliance information
ZEAT Credits: Provide Zero-Emission and Advanced Technologies (ZEAT) Credits to recognize early adopters of cleaner technologies
The U.S. EPA has approved the majority of CARB’s federal authorization request, allowing California to enforce key portions of its Commercial Harbor Craft standards.
What’s happening: The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) is challenging the federal authorization for California’s Commercial Harbor Craft standards — the same legal effort targeting the federal authorization for California’s At-Berth Regulation.
What’s at stake: A successful challenge could put several important gains at risk.
California’s standards have helped drive investment in cleaner vessels, including electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered technologies.
Examples include the nation’s first fully electric tugboat at the Port of San Diego, the world’s first parallel-hybrid vessel at the Port of Los Angeles, and the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell ferry at the Port of San Francisco.
Rolling back the regulation could also strand existing investments in shore power infrastructure and other emissions-control technologies.
California’s CHC Regulation is reducing pollution from tugboats, ferries, workboats and other vessels that operate close to workers and coastal communities. Now, these protections and the investments they’ve helped drive are under threat.
Urge your elected representatives to defend California’s CHC standards and protect the progress toward cleaner vessels and healthier communities.
Please note: The CHC Regulation includes phased implementation timelines, compliance extensions and technology-review provisions designed to account for market readiness and technology availability.
CARB developed the regulation through an extensive stakeholder process. The phased approach gives vessel operators and businesses time to plan, invest in new technologies and transition their fleets while reducing harmful pollution.
The result is a framework that moves California toward cleaner maritime operations while supporting the continued evolution of zero-emission marine technology.
Want to learn more about California’s CHC Regulation and what’s at stake? Download our CHC Regulation fact sheet to learn how the policy works, why it matters for workers and coastal communities, and what could happen if these protections are rolled back.