"Congress recently challenged California’s authority to regulate air pollution from cargo ships and large commercial boats, opening the door to dirtier air in portside communities.
The U.S. House of Representatives last week narrowly voted to take away the ability of California to force large ships to run on electricity when they’re in port, instead of running on their giant diesel engines. A second vote also sought to end requirements for cleaner engines on some commercial boats.
These regulations were designed to eliminate unhealthful pollution near harbor communities, like Long Beach and Wilmington. The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the largest fixed source of smog-forming air pollution in metropolitan Los Angeles.
Congress recently challenged California’s authority to regulate air pollution from cargo ships and large commercial boats, opening the door to dirtier air in portside communities.
The U.S. House of Representatives last week narrowly voted to take away the ability of California to force large ships to run on electricity when they’re in port, instead of running on their giant diesel engines. A second vote also sought to end requirements for cleaner engines on some commercial boats.
These regulations were designed to eliminate unhealthful pollution near harbor communities, like Long Beach and Wilmington. The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the largest fixed source of smog-forming air pollution in metropolitan Los Angeles."
Tony Briscoe reports for the Los Angeles Times' Boiling Point Newsletter September 24, 2026.
