In an effort to avoid California’s new clean air regulation, cargo ships are taking a more dangerous route through Navy training grounds as they pass Ventura County. The rules, which require ships traveling within 24 miles of the California coast to switch to a cleaner fuel, went into effect in July.
Complying with the regulation would typically add $30,000 per visit, or about 1 percent of the fuel costs for a ship crossing the Pacific Ocean, The New York Times reports. Because of the higher price tag — as well as concerns that the cleaner fuel adds to the wear of engines — ships have started passing more than 24 miles out to sea. The far-flung route is dangerous because not only does it pass through missile testing grounds, it also does not include recognized shipping lanes, adding to the risk of collision.
The new fuel standards are part of California’s ambitious goal of a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Ships coming into California’s ports are among the biggest polluters; the ships docked at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports churn out more pollution daily than 1 million cars, according to a report by California Connected.
