Moreno Introduces Resolution to Block California’s Radical Environmental Policies

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of California’s Commercial Harbor Craft rule. The rule imposes burdensome and unrealistic zero-emission mandates on commercial vessels that threaten Great Lakes maritime commerce, American shipping, maritime jobs, and the efficient movement of goods by water. Senator Moreno Co-Chairs the Great Lakes Task Force to advance the long-term vitality and prosperity of the Great Lakes region through legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts. “California’s radical, unelected bureaucrats will not dictate shipping policy for the rest of America,” said Senator Moreno. “Ohio consumers should not be punished by the stupidity of California regulators. Congress must kill this burdensome EPA mandate that drives up the cost of everyday goods, destroys American jobs, and hands our shipping industry over to China.” Statements of Support: “The CHC rule’s effects extend beyond California and into interstate commerce, national freight movement, and U.S. maritime at large, necessitating review by Congress,” said The American Waterways Operators (AWO). “We appreciate Senator Moreno’s leadership in championing congressional consideration of the CHC rule, and we fully support this effort to ensure that environmental regulations affecting the maritime industry are grounded in demonstrated feasibility, preserve mariner safety, and allow operators to continue moving commerce efficiently.” “We applaud Senator Moreno for leading this effort to overturn California’s Commercial Harbor Craft rule, and we urge Congress to act now to reverse this unlawful, unworkable mandate before it causes further economic harm ,” said Chet Thompson, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President and CEO . “California is forcing port facilities and operators of vessels — including ferries, tugboats and petrochemical tank barges — to pay for costly engine, fuel and electrification technologies, some of which aren’t even approved for use. Since these vessels keep ports operating, goods moving and energy supplies flowing far beyond California, the impact of this rule will be felt nationwide. American families and businesses should not have to pay the price for yet another unachievable California mandate.” “I would like to thank Senator Moreno for this appropriate, judicious and timely use of the Congressional Review Act,” said Jim Weakley, President, Lake Carriers’ Association. “Congress should exercise its authority to right the previous wrongs of administrative agencies. Granting an individual state a waiver to federal laws and regulations so it can overregulate interstate and international commerce by setting burdensome and unrealistic vessel standards is not in our national best interest. It taxes all consumers not just the commercial harbor craft that keep commerce moving. Americans pay with their pocketbooks and their jobs.” “Transportation Institute applauds Senator Moreno’s leadership in standing up for the American maritime industry by challenging California’s dangerous Commercial Harbor Craft waiver rule,” said Sara Fuentes, President of the Transportation Institute. “The rule would require unsafe and unproven technology on American tugboats, towboats, and articulated tug-barges (ATBs), despite serious concerns raised by the U.S. Coast Guard about the risks to mariner safety. As the nation’s most energy-efficient mode of freight transportation, the American maritime industry is committed to protecting the environment—but not at the expense of the safety of our mariners. On behalf of Transportation Institute members across the Great Lakes and throughout the country, we commend Senator Moreno for putting safety first.” “The Dredging Contractors of America strongly supports Senator Bernie Moreno’s Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn California’s Commercial Harbor Craft waiver rule,” said William P. Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, The Dredging Contractors of America. “The rule directly affects dredges, tugboats, towboats and other specialized vessels essential to maintaining California’s ports, harbors and federally authorized navigation channels.” “Operators unable to install compliant equipment could be forced to replace otherwise safe and serviceable vessels at enormous cost,” said Passenger Vessel Association. “These costs cannot realistically be recovered through higher fares, and sufficient government grants may not be available. The result could be the loss of vessels, routes, maritime jobs, and essential passenger transportation services. Disapproving the waiver would not represent a retreat from environmental stewardship. It would allow California, federal safety regulators, manufacturers, and the passenger vessel industry to develop standards that are ambitious but also safe, technically achievable, and economically realistic. PVA appreciates Senator Moreno’s leadership and urges Congress to approve his resolution.” Background: The California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards was implemented under the Biden Administration’s EPA, granting California the authority to enforce its own emissions standards for commercial harbor craft. Senator Moreno’s resolution blocks California’s harbor craft emissions rule. Read the full text of the resolution HERE .