On Friday, April 4, ahead of the 2025 Opening Day on the Delta boat parade, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to protect boat owners and area waterways from dangerous abandoned vessels.

Abandoned vessels are a real threat to Delta communities, noted Harder in introducing the bill.

Dozens have had to be removed across the state, including the 300-foot Aurora that spilled over 3,000 gallons of hazardous waste into the Delta last year with cleanup costs ranging in the tens of millions.

As these boats change hands, they are often left abandoned and eventually sink, spilling fuel and polluting waterways while creating dangerous hazards for boaters.

The Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act would ensure large ship owners, not the public, are responsible for preventing sinkings.

“Protecting the Delta is about protecting our families, our environment, and our region’s economy,” said Rep. Harder. “When I stood on the crumbling deck of the Aurora last year, I saw firsthand just how dangerous these abandoned boats can be. It’s unacceptable that more of these ticking time bombs are still out there. We need to get them out of our waters and make sure irresponsible owners are held accountable – before it’s too late.”

To prevent large-scale and dangerous sinkings, the Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act requires sellers of commercial vessels for recreational purposes that are over 35 feet long and 40 years of age to have insurance or remain liable for any sinking and cleanup costs.

“The Delta is both the source of water for millions of Californians as well as a vital economic hub of businesses and recreational activities,” said Pat Hume, Chair of the Delta Counties Coalition. “Abandoned vessels pose a major threat to the Delta ecosystem and the entire state’s water quality. Once these vessels sink, its asbestos laden materials, gasoline and diesel fuels, antifreeze, and lead-based paints contaminate the Delta’s delicate ecosystem. This bill ensures accountability to prevent this problem.”