As the representative for southern Orange County and the many fishing communities in my district, I am 100% opposed to the proposed regulations the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are set to decide on related to commercial vessel engines.
Many of these vessels are run by small businesses and have expressed fear that these new rules would halt operations permanently. In 2018 alone, Orange County saw a record 50 million tourists visit our area. Many of these tourists partake in safe and environmentally-friendly aquatic adventure tours aboard these vessels.
According to stakeholders, recreational fishing contributed about $5.6 billion a year in economic activity and supports roughly 40,000 jobs.
The industry has provided CARB with meaningful alternatives and I urge the Board to greatly consider the detrimental effect their decision will have on not only the fisherman in my district, but across our state that support so many other communities.
