Members of the California Air Resources Board have adopted a final rule to control harmful pollution from passenger fishing boats, ferries, tugboats, and other commercial harbor craft. This rule had the strong support of leading health and medical organizations throughout California and represents a major step forward in reducing carcinogenic diesel particle pollution in communities downwind of ports and harbors.

“California’s stronger rules for ferries, charter fishing boats, and tugboats will provide critical health benefits to over-burdened portside communities,” said Mariela Ruacho, Clean Air Advocacy Manager with the American Lung Association. “Emissions from diesel vessels are a leading source of cancer risk for these communities and transitioning to cleaner engines and zero-emission technologies will generate billions in health benefits, save hundreds of lives, and reduce a wide range of lung and heart illnesses. This is an important policy to improve lung health and reduce disparities in pollution burdens in highly-impacted communities.”

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.