California Air Resources Board

Would have required the California Energy Commission (CEC), in coordination with the State Lands Commission, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and CARB, to develop a plan by December 31, 2030, for the alternative fuel needs of oceangoing vessels at seaports that will enable the ports to meet their emission reduction goals. CARB would have been required to provide the CEC with information regarding OGV fuel types that comply with CARB's regulations. The bill also would have required the CEC to convene a working group, including CARB, to assist with the development of the information required by the plan, as specified.

View full bill text here

Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Senate:

 I am returning Senate Bill 298 without my signature.

 This bill would require the California Energy Commission (CEC), in coordination with the State Lands Commission, California State Transportation Agency, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), to develop a plan by December 31, 2030, for the alternative fuel needs of Ocean-Going Vessels (OGVs) at ports that will meet ports' emission reduction goals.

 As the nation's premier gateway for international trade, California's ports are an essential component of the nation's economy. I strongly support efforts to plan and deploy zero-emission infrastructure and technologies at our ports. This is why CARB has already begun the informal rulemaking phase for an OGV In-Transit Regulation to reduce harmful air pollution from OGVs while transiting, maneuvering, and anchoring in waters off the California coastline.

 Though well-intentioned, the plan required by this bill could complicate CARB 's active OGV In-Transit rulemaking and result in costs to the CEC's primary operating fund, which is currently facing an ongoing structural deficit, thus exacerbating the fund's structural imbalance. I encourage the supporters of this measure to work with CARB through its rulemaking process to collaboratively identify solutions for deploying alternative fuels at our ports.

 For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.

 Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here