Comment Log Display

RE: 	Revise the Final Investment Plan to include the Vessel Speed
Reduction Incentive Initiative 

Dear Chair Nichols and Board Members:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of
National Marine Sanctuaries, West Coast Region (WCR) appreciates
the opportunity to review the Draft Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds
Investment Plan: Fiscal Years 2013-14 through 2015-16 (Draft
Investment Plan) .  We offer one comment - please include in the
final plan the widely supported Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR)
Incentive program as a priority for Cap and Trade auction funding. 
  

We have partnered with the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution
Control District (SBCAPCD) and the Environmental Defense Center to
develop a VSR Incentive program that would provide financial
incentives to large marine ships to voluntarily reduce speeds along
the California coast to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
improve air quality, and protect whales. The VSR Initiative tiers
off the very successful vessel speed reduction program of the Ports
of LA and Long Beach.  We have built a strong coalition of local,
state and federal agencies, shipping interests and non-government
organizations who support the program.  The VSR Incentive program
fulfills multiple objectives of AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act
of 2006), AB 1532 and SB 535 (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund), and
priorities in the Draft Investment Plan while also meeting
California’s clean-transportation goals and sustainable freight
strategies.  

We recognize that CARB and the Department of Finance face
considerable challenges in determining how investment funds should
be deployed equitably and efficiently.  Thank you for considering
our comment and including a vessel speed reduction (which is
missing from the Draft Investment Plan) in your Final Investment
Plan as a priority for funding and request Cap-and-Trade money be
directed to the Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive program. 
 		
Sincerely,

William J. Douros
West Coast Regional Director	
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries