JTC briefed on vessel at‑berth emissions study and legal limits for state action
Summary
Staff briefed the committee on a study of emissions from ocean‑going vessels at berth, emphasizing federal preemption issues, California waiver precedents, and potential litigation risks for non‑identical state standards; a draft final report will be presented at the next JTC meeting.
The Joint Transportation Committee received a briefing on an emissions study examining shore power and emissions from ocean‑going vessels while at berth.
Paul, staff with the information committee, summarized the study’s status and legal guardrails. He reminded members that federal law constrains state regulation in this area: California historically obtained waivers under the Clean Air Act for certain vehicle and vessel standards, and other states may adopt identical standards but risk litigation if they deviate. "To the extent that you vary from the California standards, there's usually litigation," Paul told members.
Staff said roughly half of container ships arriving at the Northwest Seaport Alliance already have onboard infrastructure to plug in if shore‑side infrastructure is available. The committee was given notice that the draft final report will be presented at the December JTC meeting and that the report will summarize stakeholder feedback and potential impacts to shipping and port operations.
