The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has formally asked California Governor Gavin Newsom to reverse the 2022 changes made to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Commercial Harbor Craft rule. The AWO’s request comes after CARB pulled its plans to enforce similar emissions standards on California’s truck and rail sectors, leaving only harbor craft under strict regulations.
Representing tugboats, towboats, and barges, the AWO advocates for safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation along the nation’s waterways, oceans, and coasts. In their letter, the organization highlighted that the industry moves more than 665 million tons of cargo annually while producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions—43% less than rail and a remarkable 832% less than trucks, which are no longer required to follow CARB’s updated emissions rules.
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The letter warns that without Governor Newsom’s decisive action to roll back the regulations, commercial harbor craft operators could be forced out of business in favor of less sustainable freight methods. This shift could compromise the safety and efficiency of California’s ports and disrupt commerce at a time when the state is already grappling with the consequences of major natural disasters.
Citing a recent survey by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, the AWO pointed out that the new rules have already triggered an exodus of harbor craft operators. This departure has led to a shortage of ship-assist tugboats, which are critical for the safe and efficient handling of deep draft vessels—a development that could set off further issues in California’s supply chain.
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