Regulating ocean-going vessel emissions at-berth

The 2024 Supplemental Transportation Budget (ESHB 2134, Section 204(12)) directed the JTC to study the potential impacts of implementing California’s emissions standards for ocean-going vessels at-berth in Washington. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) currently regulates at-berth emissions for certain ocean-going vessels while docked at identified California Ports. The most common way to reduce emissions of vessels at-berth is by requiring them to use shore power, rather than on-board diesel generators, to power the vessel while docked.

The study is divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 requires identifying statutory and regulatory changes that would be necessary if Washington adopts a program modeled on the CARB regulations. Phase 1 will also project expected emission reductions. The consultant will present a phase 1 report to the JTC in June of 2025.
• Phase 2 will identify potential impacts to labor, shipping costs, and port competitiveness. It will also estimate the cost of infrastructure enhancements needed to supply shore power at the Ports in Washington that serve ocean-going vessels. The consultant will present a final study report to the JTC in December of 2025.

The JTC has contracted with Moffatt & Nichol to conduct this study.