b'Continued from page 4: Letter from the PresidentAT THE HELM Tier2standardscameintoeffectateenginefortheirspecificneeds,vessel to continue to use its current around2004.Theseengineshavebalancing environmental impact, op- engines indefinitely.stricteremissionslimitsthanTier1,erational efficiency, and cost.further reducing NOx and PM. Tier 1In 2022, CARB toughened its harbor and 2 engines are suitable for older ves- CALIFORNIA craft rules even further to require even sels or those operating in regions withAs I said, the Clean Air Act general- stricteremissionrequirementsover less stringent emissions regulations. lypreemptsindividualstatesfromtime.Theamendmentswouldforce imposingtheirownairemissionsexisting vessels to install either Tier 3 or Tier3standardswereimplementedstandards that differ from those set byTier 4 engines, both with Diesel Particu-starting in 2012. These engines havethe federal government. However, thelate Filters (DPF). The problem is while even lower emissions limits, focusingCAA has an exemption of many yearslow-omitting engines can be obtained on significant reductions in NOx andstanding for California. That state es- in the market, DPFs for marine appli-PM.Tier3enginesarecommonlytablished the California Air Resourc- cation are not yet widely commercially used in newer vessels and regions withes Board (CARB) that can essentiallyavailable. Furthermore, the U.S. Coast moderate emissions regulations. set its own emission standards. Guard has advised California that it has serious safety and fire concerns about Tier 4 standards were phased in fromForadecadeandahalf,CaliforniaDPF installation on vessel engines. Last-2014onwards.Theseengineshavehas had in place an EPA- approved,ly, and most importantly, enforcement themoststringentemissionslimits,Commercial Harbor Craft Emissionsof these amendments is severe and costly targeting near-zero emissions of NOxRule. PVA vessels are considered har- for our California members.and PM. Tier 4 engines are ideal forbor craft in California. The existing vesselsoperatinginareaswithstrictrule has imposed a schedule on PVAPVA has sent a letter to EPA Adminis-environmental regulations. vessels in California to upgrade theirtrator Lee Zeldin stating this message engines to higher EPA tiers over theand urges the Trump administration Understanding these differences helpsyears.ThiscontrastswiththeEPAto revoke the waiver for the 2022 Cal-vessel operators choose the appropri- marinerulesthatallowanexistingifornia Harbor Craft Air Emissions amendment.The maritime industry is rapidly evolv-ing, with a strong focus on sustainable and efficient propulsion systems. Hy-Navigate Risk Withbrid, battery-electric, fuel cell, LNG, Confidence solar-assisted,andadvanceddiesel enginesrepresenttheforefrontof USIs maritime specialistsmodernpropulsiontechnologiesfor combine proprietary analytics,passenger vessels. Each system offers broad experience, and nationaluniquebenefitsandchallenges,and resources to create customizedthe choice of propulsion depends on insurance and risk management programs designed to reducespecific operational requirements and cost and lower risk for yourenvironmental considerations.business.Sincerely,Proud supporters of the Property & CasualtyPassenger Vessel AssociationEmployee BenefitsUSI Insurance Services Personal Risk601 Union StreetRetirement Consulting Steve JonesSeattle, WA 98101 206.441.6300 | www.usi.com PVA President, 20252023 USI Insurance Services. All rights reserved.FOGHORN 44'