A California port emissions rule is drawing pushback from Republican lawmakers who say the measure is raising consumer prices nationwide. The rule requires certain ships docking at California ports to shut down diesel engines and switch to electric power while berthed, and critics argue the costs are being passed on to consumers.
Rep. Vince Fong, a California Republican, is leading legislation to reverse the so-called ship-at-berth rule. Under the policy, the California Air Resources Board can require large cargo vessels to reduce emissions while docked, with penalties of tens of thousands of dollars per day for ships that do not comply.
Fong said the fines are effectively unavoidable because current infrastructure cannot support a full transition for all ships, making higher costs likely for consumers. He also warned that if California’s approach stands, other states could seek similar EPA authority, spreading the added costs beyond California.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle more than 40% of the nation’s container traffic, making the rule especially significant for shippers and retailers. The Trump administration asked Congress earlier this month to review the regulation, and Fong’s bill would formalize that review process. Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan has introduced a similar bill in the Senate, saying California’s regulations also burden consumers in other states.
