CA AB2298

Requires the Ocean Protection Council to participate as a stakeholder and provide advisory support to the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative for California coastal waters.

Authorizes expansion of the existing program to include marketing, data collection on ship speeds and whale strikes, incentives for vessels traveling at reduced speeds (10 knots or less), and development of seasonal speed reduction zones along the California coast.

Limits program participation to vessels of 300 gross tons or greater and establishes that the program shall operate as a single unified statewide program excluding areas covered by other speed reduction programs.

Requires participating air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to submit a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2028, regarding program implementation.

Aims to reduce air pollution emissions from oceangoing vessels, decrease fatal whale strikes, and minimize harmful underwater acoustic impacts while supporting the maritime industry through voluntary participation.