Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF)
Summary
SCH Number
2026061178
Public Agency
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
Document Title
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/25/2026
Document Description
The Marine Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive Program (VSR Program), also known as the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, is a voluntary vessel speed reduction program that provides incentives to participating ocean-going vessel operators to reduce ship strike risk to whales, underwater noise, and air pollution by voluntarily transiting at 10 knots or less.
Contact Information
Name
Tyler S. Harris
Agency Name
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
Job Title
Planning, Rules, and Incentives Division Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Ventura
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
Ventura County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15307 (Class 7), 15308 (Class 8)
Reasons for Exemption
The VSR Program is a voluntary program that incentivizes ocean-going vessels to reduce speeds to 10 knots while traveling in the VSR zone. Reducing vessel speeds within VSR zones results in significant reductions of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, reducing vessel speeds reduces the risk of fatal ship strikes to whales and underwater noise pollution. Since the VSR Program is voluntary, it does not impose regulatory requirements on participating vessels. The program does not authorize or require any construction, physical modifications, or changes to existing facilities or infrastructure.
County Clerk
Ventura
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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