California air officials warn two bills could threaten state boat emissions rules

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California air quality officials are warning state lawmakers that a pair of bills aimed at changing the state’s harbor vessel rules could jeopardize the federal authority needed to enforce the regulations as a whole.

The California Air Resources Board raises concerns that two legislative measures introduced by the Senate in June and July as amendments — AB 1122 by Rep. Jasmeet Bains and AB 1296 by Rep. Tim Grayson — would change CARB’s emissions rules for boats in ports enough that the agency would have to reapply to the EPA for permission to enforce more stringent than federal air quality standards.

The California Air Resources Board raises concerns that two Assembly legislative measures — AB 1122 by Rep. Jasmeet Bains and AB 1296 by Rep. Tim Grayson — would change CARB’s emissions rules for boats in ports enough that the agency would have to reapply to the EPA for permission to enforce more stringent than federal air quality standards.

A hearing on the bills will be held Thursday in the Assembly Transportation Committee, which has acknowledged they could delay federal approval of the legislation.