Newsom signs AB 14: California whale protection law expands statewide vessel speed reduction to shield blue whales and cut ship emissions
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 14 on October 11, 2025, creating the California Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program to expand vessel speed reductions statewide and reduce ship strikes, greenhouse gases, smog, and toxic pollution.
Key takeaways
- Statewide program: AB 14 makes the Santa Barbara–Ventura slow-down model a statewide California Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program.
- Voluntary speed reductions: The law encourages vessels of 300 gross tons or greater to slow to 10 knots or less in designated corridors to cut strikes and pollution.
- Proven co-benefits: Local pilots achieved ~85% cooperation and avoided >200,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases while halving ship strikes.
Overview
On October 11, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 14 (AB 14), establishing a statewide program that builds on the successful local slow-down efforts off Santa Barbara, Ventura and the Bay Area. The law aims to protect endangered whales — notably blue and humpback whales — while reducing air pollution from large ocean-going vessels.
What AB 14 requires and how it works
AB 14 sets up a voluntary, incentive-based program for large commercial vessels to reduce speed to 10 knots or less within designated coastal corridors. The statute applies to ships 300 gross tons and larger and assigns local air pollution control districts to operate the program, monitor outcomes, and report to the state.
Incentives and recognition: Participating vessels receive public recognition and may qualify for modest financial incentives offered by ports and districts. The emphasis is on reputational and market incentives rather than punitive fines.
For the official text see text of AB 14 and for a summary see the bill summary.
Why slower ships matter: safety, air quality and quieter oceans
Research and local pilots demonstrate multiple co-benefits. Where speed reduction programs operated, cooperation reached roughly 85% of the fleet and ship strike rates fell by about 50%. Lower speeds also reduce greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and diesel particulate matter, improving health outcomes for coastal communities.
“Slower transit speeds give whales more time to avoid vessels and reduce collision forces, while also cutting pollution and underwater noise.”
Specific local results from the Santa Barbara–Ventura pilot and Bay Area expansion include:
- More than 200,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases avoided.
- Over 5,900 tons of NOx and 35 tons of diesel particulate matter averted.
- Underwater noise reductions — one study reported declines around 38% in some areas.
Origins and expansion of a local model
The program scales up a voluntary speed-reduction model launched in 2014 off Santa Barbara and Ventura County and later expanded to the Bay Area by 2017. The local initiative grew from multi-agency collaboration after a surge of ship strikes — including a 2007 event that killed five blue whales in the Santa Barbara Channel — which galvanized scientists and communities to act.
Stakeholders, science and politics
AB 14 emerged from collaboration among air-quality officials, scientists, environmental groups like the Environmental Defense Center, and shipping representatives. Supporters say the bill strikes a balance between conservation goals and shipping industry realities by relying on incentives and recognition to encourage compliance.
Authors: The bill was authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart and coauthored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Damon Connolly; it was among several coastal and environmental bills sponsored by Hart in 2025.
Tracking and reporting
Under AB 14, air pollution control districts will operate the program, monitor ship speeds, measure emissions reductions, tally participation, and report standardized results to the state. That consistent data collection aims to let regulators and scientists assess outcomes coastwide.
Costs, incentives and industry response
AB 14 does not impose fines for noncompliance. Instead, it relies on modest financial incentives from ports and districts and public recognition to motivate companies. Pilot participants have generally cooperated at high rates, driven by corporate responsibility, port pressure, and reputational benefits.
Implications for Los Angeles
Economic impact
Los Angeles, which hosts the nation’s busiest port complex, may see slight increases in transit times for participating ships. Pilot programs showed high cooperation without major disruptions; over time cleaner air and fewer collisions could lower health-related costs and environmental cleanup expenses.
Political consequences
Local leaders supporting AB 14 align with broader state climate and coastal protection priorities. The law elevates the role of local air districts and could increase local oversight and influence over port operations.
Social and cultural effects
Coastal neighborhoods near ports stand to benefit from reduced NOx and diesel particulates, which can improve health outcomes for sensitive groups. Protecting iconic species like blue and humpback whales also resonates culturally and can boost wildlife tourism and education.
Practical applications for residents
Anglers, whale-watch operators, beachgoers, and port communities may notice fewer injured whales and incremental air quality improvements. Local agencies gain reporting duties and opportunities to apply for funding and recognition under the new program.
Sources and further reading
- OurAir: “News: California Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program”
- Edhat: “Governor Gavin Newsom signs law to protect blue whales”
- KSBY: “California bill signed into law aimed at protecting blue whales and reducing emissions”
- Santa Barbara Independent: “Whales get statewide shipping protection”
- Legiscan (text of AB 14)
- TrackBill (bill summary)
- FastDemocracy (bill coauthor information)
