Overturn the EPA decision allowing California to enforce commercial harbor craft emission standards?
H.J. Res. 213 would overturn an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision that allows California to set its own emissions standards for commercial harbor craft, such as tugboats, ferries, and other vessels used in harbors and ports. The resolution would use the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the EPA’s 2025 decision related to California’s Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations, effectively nullifying the decision if the bill were to become law.
Sponsor: Rep. James Gallagher (Republican, California, District 1)
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Opponents say
• "The federal government’s attack on California’s At Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft waivers is a misuse of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). For more than 50 years, Clean Air Act waiver programs have been respected by Republican and Democratic administrations alike. Until now, no administration had attempted to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn these waivers. Instead of playing politics with our health, undermining the regulatory certainty businesses rely on, and jeopardizing billions of dollars in public and private investments made under these life-saving rules, Congress should recognize this blatant overreach by the oil and gas industry to continue to put profits over people. Communities, workers, businesses and our economy will pay the cost, not polluters, if Congress repeals California’s Clean Air waivers." Source: Davina Hurt, Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment
• "H.J. Res 213/S.J. Res 210 would overturn California’s Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) standards, which ensure the ongoing deployment of cleaner technologies to protect the health of those working on and living near working harbors. The CHC sector represents one of the top three cancer risks in seaport communities and contributes to California communities failing to achieve health-protective air quality standards. Fully implemented, the CHC standards would cut carcinogenic diesel particle pollution by 89%." Source: American College of Physicians in a Joint Letter Opposing Congressional Review Act Resolutions
Proponents say
• "This is about affordability. This rule drives up costs for maritime businesses, makes it harder to move goods through our ports, and ultimately leaves American families paying the price. Congress has a responsibility to restore oversight and stop Sacramento bureaucrats from dictating national policy." Source: Rep. James Gallagher (Republican, California, District 1), Sponsor of H.J. Res. 213
• "California’s Commercial Harbor Craft mandate places an unrealistic financial burden on the charter captains and fishing guides who provide public access to our fisheries. Many of these are small, family-owned businesses that already operate under extensive federal and state regulations. Requiring costly engine replacements and vessel modifications threatens their ability to stay in business, reducing recreational access, hurting coastal/rural economies, and jeopardizing thousands of jobs." Source: James Stone, President, Nor-Cal Guides & Sportsmen’s Association.
• "The At-Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft waivers apply the same model to ocean-going ships and harbor vessels serving ports that handle a large share of the nation’s imports. Together, these waivers are the foundation for policies that raise costs, limit choices, and impose California’s policy preferences on Americans nationwide." Source: American Energy Alliance
- Gallagher Introduces Resolution to Stop California's Burdensome Harbor Craft Mandate (Press Release)
- California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision (Federal Register)
- Commercial Harbor Craft (California Air Resources Board)
- Rep. James Gallagher’s campaign report (Follow the Money)
