Protecting Blue Skies by Reducing Air Pollution

Emissions from ocean-going vessels are outside air districts’ regulatory authority, but account for a significant percentage of local air pollution. Federal and international actions on cleaner fuels and engines will help, but are not expected to yield benefits for many years.

The BWBS program runs during the period that coincides with peak ozone levels as well as the presence of blue, humpback, and fin whales near the California coast. This is typically late spring to through autumn. Ozone is more likely to form during this time due to the presence of heat and sunlight, which react with pollutants to form ozone, otherwise known as smog, which impacts the air we breathe.

This program has helped significantly reduce levels of smog-forming NOx, particulate matter, toxic air contaminants, and greenhouse gases. To date, this program has achieved 1.6 million slow-speed miles, reducing more than 5,900 tons of smog-forming pollution and 200,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

This program has significantly helped reduce emissions of smog-forming pollution, in addition to particulate matter and air toxics. Reducing emissions means cleaner air, which is especially important for sensitive groups like kids, seniors, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions. Emission reductions help achieve federal and state health-based air quality standards.