When we started with this petition it was my hope that we could get 1,000 signatures. One week later and we're just under 14,000. From all of us at the Ferry we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your support and well wishes.
Now that we've joined together in one unified voice, it's time to use that voice to effect change. We are now asking that everyone write in to harborcraft@arb.ca.gov and ask that we be given an exemption from the current Harborcraft Mandate.
It is clear that the Ferry holds a special place in our hearts and with that comes a lot of passion. So please as you write with passion keep this in mind.
CARB doesn't want the Ferry to shut down.
CARB wants things to happen in a timeline that looks good on paper, but we're in a disagreement on how early things can be done.
So as you write into CARB, please don't come at them with anger. We want them to want to work with us. to WANT to give us an exemption.
As you write in, please tell them where you're from and what the Ferry means to you. Write in as commuters, parents, Junior Guard families and tourists. As business owners and home owners. Tell your story and how the ferry fits in it.
Let them know how the Ferry already greatly decreases emissions by keeping many of our 1.5 million pedestrians from driving around in their cars.
Tell them that the Ferry is happy to be a part of a greener future, it's just the 2025 deadline thats the problem. We would put in cleaner tier 3 engines TOMORROW, even cleaner Tier 4 engines as soon as possible, if they would just give us the same timeline they've given to the charter fishing boats and automobile manufactures.
We have almost 14,000 thousand supporters brought together here! Can you imagine if the Air Resource Board received 14,000 emails from people speaking from their hearts about a business that his played such an important role in our lives?
Please don't put it off. Write today. Show them what the Heart of Newport is all about.
Keep Calm And Ferry On
Nate Capra
Operations Manager
Balboa Island Ferry