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CALIFORNIA SAFEGUARDS BLUE WHALES AND CLEAR SKIES THROUGH LANDMARK STATE LEGISLATION
DETAIL INFORMATION
In October, California Assembly Bill 14, titled “Coastal resources: Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program” (AB-14), was enacted, positioning California as the first state in the nation to enhance a long-standing voluntary initiative aimed at diminishing air pollution and threats to endangered whale populations along its coastline by lowering the speeds of large seafaring vessels.
Air pollution stands as a major environmental hazard to human health, associated with a heightened risk of chronic illnesses and death. In California, several cities and counties rank among the worst in the United States for air quality due to a mix of factors, with emissions from ships being a major contributor
Collisions between ships and whales pose a significant threat to endangered whale populations worldwide, and California is one of the limited regions with protective measures implemented. Due to AB 14, led by Assemblymember Gregg Hart, safeguards will grow as the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program (BWBS) transforms into a voluntary program statewide, with California’s Ocean Protection Council joining as a new ally.