Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed Senator Alan Lowenthal’s legislative proposal (SB 974) to improve air quality by imposing a cargo fee at the ports. September 30 was the final day the Governor had to consider pending legislation.
In his veto message, the Governor stated, “Although the bill’s (SB 974) policy objectives to provide additional funding for congestion relief and environmental mitigation are laudable, this measure is problematic in its implementation. This bill does not provide necessary assurances that projects will achieve the greatest cost-effectiveness, emission reductions, and public health protection. Also, the bill does not adequately provide the San Joaquin Valley with access to funds to reduce pollution related to container cargo coming directly to and from the ports throughout the Valley.”
State Senator Alan Lowenthal’s proposal would have imposed a $30 fee on each container brought into West Coast ports that would have created cleaner methods of transportation reached the Governor’s desk last month after it passed both the State Assembly and State Senate.
In an interview with the lbpost.com last month, Senator Lowenthal said, “I won’t be satisfied unless we really do begin to decrease pollution. It’s time to have it done.”
It is not clear whether or not the Senator will reintroduce the legislation at the beginning of the next legislative session come January 2009.
In his veto message, the Governor expressed support of the concepts in SB 974. However, he went on to “encourage the Legislature to develop legislation that provides proper guidance, oversight and accountability, ensures that the San Joaquin Valley is eligible for funds to address port-related cargo pollution, and allows for varied congestion reduction infrastructure.”
The bill was strongly supported by Mayor Foster and local elected officials.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor