SB 34: Ports: emissions: intermodal goods movement stakeholder group.

Existing law regulates the operation of ports and harbors. Existing law imposes various limitations on emissions of air contaminants for the control of air pollution from vehicular and nonvehicular sources and generally designates the State Air Resources Board as the state agency with primary responsibility for the control of vehicular air pollution.

This bill would require the state board to establish an intermodal goods movement stakeholders group consisting of, among others, a member from each specified port district. By requiring a port district to participate in the group, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the group to develop a plan that specifies short-term thresholds of yellow, orange, and red for port emissions and specifies actions to be taken to reduce port emissions and port-related emissions when the thresholds are reached, as specified. The bill would require the group to submit a report to the Legislature, on or before January 31, 2027, with its findings, recommendations, and the plan.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.