What happened?

Ferries, tugboats, fishing boats, and large cargo ships docked at California ports could face tighter emissions rules depending on what Congress does next. The House Committee on Rules held a hearing Sept. 14 on two resolutions that would cancel federal environmental waivers granted to California under the Clean Air Act (CAA). [](#ngr-01bb3447-0ece-421d-b3ae-7b29ea806016)

The two measures are House Joint Resolution 210 (H.J. Res. 210), which targets emissions from ocean-going vessels while they sit at berth in California ports, and House Joint Resolution 213 (H.J. Res. 213), which covers commercial harbor craft including fishing boats, ferries, and tugboats. If passed, each resolution would nullify the waiver that allows California to enforce its own, stricter emissions standards on those vessels.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The Cleand Air Act generally bars states from setting their own vehicle or vessel emissions rules. California has long held a special exception, and other states are allowed to adopt California's standards once a federal waiver is granted. That means what happens to these two waivers could affect air quality rules in multiple states, not just California.

People who live near major ports or work on commercial waterways could see changes in the pollution standards that apply to the vessels around them. Rep. James P. McGovern argued at the hearing that the Clean Air Act had helped reduce pollution, smoke, and smog, and said one measure on the agenda would raise gas and diesel prices. Rep. Gary Palmer, who testified in favor of the resolutions, said the harbor-craft rules effectively extended zero-emission mandates to vessels operating in California harbors.

Both sides, now

Palmer, who backed both resolutions, said the House Energy and Commerce Committee had worked the previous year to nullify Biden administration actions that enabled California to adopt these environmental policies. He argued the waivers went too far in pushing zero-emission requirements onto commercial harbor operations.

McGovern pushed back, saying the Clean Air Act rules have reduced pollution over time and warning that the package could raise fuel costs. He also noted that Chevron reported its highest quarterly profits in six years in July and said refiners were benefiting from wider margins as global fuel supplies tightened. McGovern said inflation had risen from about 3 percent when President Donald Trump was sworn in to 3.4 percent at the time of his remarks. These are congressional actions, not executive orders. The House holds the power to pass or block the resolutions, and the Senate would also need to act for them to take effect.

What happens next?

A separate House resolution, H. Res. 1530, would set the terms for debate on H.J. Res. 210, H.J. Res. 213, and two other bills, allowing one hour of debate under a closed rule, meaning no amendments from the floor. Three committee amendments were submitted by Reps. McGovern and Mary Gay Scanlon. The full House would need to vote on the resolutions for them to advance. No Senate vote is scheduled.

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