CA AB14

Requires the Ocean Protection Council to participate as an advisory stakeholder in the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative to reduce air pollution, whale strike risks, and underwater noise along the California coast

Authorizes expansion of the existing program (operating since 2014) to include the San Diego coast and North Coast, with incentives for vessels traveling at 10 knots or less based on percentage of distance traveled at reduced speed

Program applies only to vessels 300 gross tons or greater and involves coordination with federal agencies including the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, EPA, Navy, and Coast Guard

Since inception through 2024, the program has achieved 1,596,008 slow speed miles, reduced nitrogen oxides by 5,903 tons, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 204,661 metric tons, and decreased estimated whale strike risk by 50% during prime migration season

Participating air pollution control districts must submit an implementation report to the Legislature by December 31, 2029