U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal and Jared Huffman have reintroduced the Alan S.
Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act to create a federal program encouraging slower shipping speeds off the West Coast. - The bill expands a successful regional program that has cut air pollution equivalent to removing nearly 6 million cars from the road for a year.
- Since 2018, 76 shipping companies have participated in the regional Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies VSR program. - The legislation honors retired Congressman Alan Lowenthal and mandates NOAA to create a recognition program for shipping companies.
The bill aims to protect marine mammals like blue whales and improve air quality along the entire West Coast of the lower 48 states.