Coastal resources: Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program.

Assembly Members Hart, Bennett, and Connolly propose expanding California's voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative through legislation that would formalize the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program along the state's coastline. The measure directs the Ocean Protection Council to collaborate with coastal air districts and maritime stakeholders in implementing a unified program aimed at reducing air pollution, whale strikes, and underwater noise.

The expanded program would build upon existing efforts that have achieved over 1.5 million slow-speed nautical miles since 2014, resulting in substantial reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions and whale strike risks. Under the proposal, vessels 300 gross tons or larger would be eligible for incentives when traveling at reduced speeds of 10 knots or less through designated zones. These zones would be established based on factors including protected marine areas, whale migration patterns, and navigational safety requirements.

The legislation outlines specific program components including data collection on vessel speeds, underwater acoustics, and air quality impacts in coastal communities. Participating air districts would develop marketing initiatives to engage cargo owners while tracking program metrics such as emission reductions and whale strike incidents. The measure requires air districts to submit an implementation report to the Legislature by 2029, while maintaining the program's voluntary nature to align with existing federal maritime regulations.