Comment Log Display

Dear Ms. Nichols and California Air Pollution Control District
Board Members:

I am writing to you expressing support for the Vessel Speed
Reduction Initiative...a most important component for your plan
draft. We have a most timely opportunity right now to help reduce
the number of whales struck by passing cargo ships and at the same
time make a positive climate impact and improve air quality - this
is a winning and vital opportunity for all. 

As many supporters convey, large cargo ships traveling off our
coast produce significant GHG and toxic air emissions that impact
our coastal communities. Ship strikes also pose a threat to whales.
Slowing down cargo ships meets multiple objectives in your Draft
Cap-and-Trade Investment Plan including: reducing GHG emissions and
other air pollutants, improving public health, and better
protecting whales. I support including vessel speed reduction in
your Final Plan as a priority for funding and request Cap-and-Trade
money be directed to the Vessel Speed Reduction Initiative. Please
use newly available California Cap-and-Trade funds to create an
incentive program that would slow down cargo ships. 
 
I join EDC  its partners, the  Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District,
in requesting the addition of our Vessel Speed Reduction Initiative
to the agencies' Final Plan. 

Thank you for your consideration, and I am confident that we can
all be a part of making a positive difference for our environment
and the life within it.