Board Director Edward ‘Val’ Lyon

On January 6, 2025, U.S. EPA granted California Clean Air Authorization of most elements of its Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Regulation. In its action, U.S. EPA did not take action on two elements of the CHC Regulation for in-use engines and vessels: a) the zero-emission and advanced technologies (ZEAT) standards for in-use short-run ferries and b) the emissions “standards for in-use engines and vessels (excluding commercial fishing vessels) that would apply after the expiration of the feasibility extensions” specifically for the Feasibility Extension E3. CARB has withdrawn its request for those two elements of the CHC Regulation and is evaluating next steps. CARB is not enforcing the portions of the CHC Regulation that were not granted authorization. As CARB evaluates the EPA action, any resulting implementation changes will be posted here.

The first exception impacts the BIF and because CARB is “evaluating next steps”, it is uncertain at this time what it means to the previous deadline(s) that the CHC mandated. Joe is in regular contact with CARB and is awaiting updates, but he expects there will be a waiver of the 12/31/2025 deadline for the first vessel.