California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision
Published Date: 1/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA has given a thumbs-up to most of California’s new rules for cleaning up pollution from commercial harbor boats, helping keep our air fresher. This affects boat owners and operators in California, who’ll need to follow these updated pollution limits starting soon. If anyone wants to challenge this decision, they have until March 11, 2025, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Compliance timing and operation prohibition
Compliance dates for new vessels depend on the vessel build date, and compliance dates for existing vessels depend on engine model year; after the applicable compliance date a non‑compliant vessel may no longer be operated in the regulated waters of California. These timing rules mean vessel owners must meet standards by the specified build-date or engine-model-year deadlines or face prohibition from operating in California regulated waters.
New rules apply to most California harbor craft
The 2022 Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Amendments apply to engines on most types of harbor craft that operate in California and add categories including pilot boats, research vessels, workboats, commercial fishing, commercial passenger fishing, and certain tank barges. If you own or operate one of these vessels in California, the amended rules apply to your vessel's engines.
Zero‑Emission and Advanced Technology phase‑in date
Zero-Emission and Advanced Technology (ZEAT) requirements begin phasing in for new and in-use ferries and for new excursion vessels starting December 31, 2024. Owners of these ferries and excursion vessels are also subject to an infrastructure requirement under the 2022 CHC Amendments.
Tier 3/4 and Level 3 VDECS requirements
For many other harbor craft (new and existing), the 2022 CHC Amendments set engine requirements equivalent to the most stringent Federal marine engine standard (Federal Tier 3 or Tier 4) or California/Federal off-road Final Tier 4, and add a level 3 Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategy (VDECS) such as a verified diesel particulate filter (DPF). These standards apply based on vessel category and engine model year.
Compliance extensions where technology unavailable
The 2022 CHC Amendments provide compliance extensions for qualified vessels, with the length of extensions depending on vessel type. Some provisions allow extensions when no certified engines or level 3 VDECS are available or are not well suited for specific vessels.
Existing commercial fishing vessels: less stringent rules
The 2022 CHC Amendments make an exception for engines on existing commercial fishing vessels by subjecting them to less stringent emission standards than other harbor craft. If you operate an existing commercial fishing vessel in California, your vessel is treated under the less stringent standards specified in the Amendments.
EPA withheld action on two amendment parts
EPA granted California authorization for the 2022 CHC Amendments but did not take action regarding (a) ZEAT standards for in‑use short‑run ferries and (b) standards that would apply after expiration of feasibility extensions when an engine or DPF is not feasible and the owner cannot afford vessel replacement (the "E3" provisions). Those two parts are not covered by EPA's authorization in this decision.
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