Earthjustice Action Statement on House Votes Attacking State Clean Air Protections

Contact: Siham Zniber, szniber@earthjustice.org

Republican’s abuse of the Congressional Review Act to revoke two maritime waivers will bring more harmful air pollution to communities 

Washington, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to revoke two California maritime Clean Air Act waivers, Ocean-Going Vessels (OGV) At Berth and the Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Amendments, which have been cutting air pollution near California’s ports for years. 

“The blatant misuse of the Congressional Review Act to repeal these waivers undermines state authority and exposes communities in California to more air pollution that threatens their health,” said Anne Clement, Senior Legislative Representative, Earthjustice Action. “We strongly urge the Senate to reject these attacks on state clean air protections.” 

These waivers have had tremendous public health and economic benefits, both of which are now at risk. Ships and supporting vessels represent some of the largest sources of pollution in communities suffering from some of the worst pollution in the country. The At Berth waiver requires large ocean-going vessels, including container, reefer, cruise, and tanker ships, to plug into shore power or capture their emissions while docked, cutting pollution by up to 90% and saving an estimated $2.32 billion in public healthcare costs. Meanwhile, the CHC waiver modernizes the engines of tugboats, ferries, and workboats, slashing diesel particulate matter by 89% and nitrogen oxides by 54% while saving an estimated $5.25 billion in healthcare and public health costs.