28 MARCH 2019 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT nation that imposes its own stricter vessel emissions requirements for ferries, excursion boats, and other passenger vessels on top of the national standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rule’s goal is reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and reactive organic gases. The harbor craft air emissions rule was approved over a decade ago on November 15, 2007. One feature of the rule is that ferry vessels and other commercial passenger vessels must burn ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (15 parts per million) or an approved sub- stitute. The rule says that a newly built com- mercial passenger vessel must have the cleanest available engine. That means a Tier 3 engine under Environmental Protection Agency standards. In addition, a newly built ferry carrying 75 or more passengers must also employ Best Available Control Technologies for further emissions reductions; this re- quirement can be satisfied by means of a Tier 4 engine. The harbor craft rule also mandated that many companies operating passenger vessels in California had to replace older existing engines (pre-tier or Tier 1), some well before the end of the anticipated service life of the engines. The current harbor craft rule contains a schedule by which these older engines had to be replaced. This replacement process is to be fully im- plemented by 2022. Passenger vessel operators must also keep records and make reports to CARB on fuels usage, as well as engine installation and maintenance. Earlier this year, CARB requested that all vessel owners and operators fill out a voluntary survey so that specific vessel characteristics and operations are considered in the rulemaking analyses. The survey specifically requests in- formation that can be used as part of the agency’s analysis of the potential economic, health, and environmental impacts of the proposed amendments. CARB asked that surveys be completed and returned by February 28, but a late-received survey will likely be con- sidered. For more information about CARB and its rulemaking process, Google “Commercial Harbor Craft Regulatory Activities.” If you would like to see CARB’s PowerPoint presentation on the possible new rules, please contact Ed Welch at PVA Headquarters at ewelch@passengervessel.com or 800- 807-8360 ext. 27. n 1.800.777.0714 toll free www.merequipment.com 8-500kW Marine Generators // Pull harder in the harshest marine environments // More copper & premium corrosion resistance // Superior motor starting & low operating temps // Better fuel economy & longer engine life // Easy to service & worldwide dealer support // Proudly made in America GRIDCOOLER® Keel Cooler WEKA Boxcooler® GRIDCOOLER® GRIDCOOLER® Keel Cooler Keel Cooler WEKA WEKA WEKA WEKA Boxcooler® Boxcooler® fernstrum.com | 906.863.5553 | sales@fernstrum.com YOU DON’T WORRY ABOUT KEEPING YOUR COOL — UNTIL YOU LOSE IT. Get it. Never lose it. Expect peak cooling efficiency. Expect trusted dependability. Expect expert support. R.W. Fernstrum Cooling Solutions. R.W. Fernstrum & Company is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company