US House Votes to Overturn California Harbor Craft Rule Waiver | Mariner News

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to overturn the federal waiver underpinning California’s Commercial Harbor Craft rule, which mandates the use of renewable diesel for tugs, ferries, and other workboats in the state since 2023. This action, taken via House Joint Resolution 213, follows a similar House vote a day earlier against the state’s At-Berth shore power rule.

H.J.Res.213, sponsored by California Republican James Gallagher, passed 214 to 208 on Wednesday evening, with 210 Republicans, three Democrats, and one independent in favor. Both resolutions now proceed to the Senate, where a simple majority is required for passage and Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno has filed the companion measure for harbor craft.

This federal legislative push, utilizing the Congressional Review Act, directly challenges California’s authority in establishing maritime emissions regulations. Operators have previously characterized certain requirements of the harbor craft rule, such as its diesel filter mandate, as “unworkable.” Should the Senate concur, overturning these waivers could provide significant operational and financial relief for maritime operators in California by negating requirements for specific fuels and potentially easing compliance burdens.

Campaign group Pacific Environment has called on the Senate to block both resolutions. The outcome in the Senate will be pivotal in determining the future of these specific California environmental mandates and may signal broader federal intent regarding state-level maritime emissions controls.