Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF)

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to fund the Marine Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive Program, also known as the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program. This voluntary initiative provides incentives to ocean-going vessel operators who transit at 10 knots or less to reduce air pollution, underwater noise, and the risk of ship strikes to whales. The program is designed to lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases across California coastal waters and specific areas of the Pacific Ocean within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, covering multiple counties from San Diego to Del Norte. For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, the program is allocated funding in the amount of 973,863 dollars. The project is classified under NAICS code 813312 and has been granted a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act under sections 15307 and 15308, as it constitutes a regulatory action to protect the environment without significant negative environmental impact. The initiative is managed by the Planning, Rules, and Incentives Division of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.