Local and State Government Consider Warehouse Regulations

The San Diego Air Pollution Control District has been evaluating an Indirect Source Rule (ISR) specifically aimed at warehouses, with a recommendation expected to reach their Board of Directors this spring. The Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce has been an active part of a coalition advocating for innovative solutions that reduce pollution without stifling the economic activity these facilities provide.

Our approach differs significantly from the Inland Empire’s WAIRE Program. That program functions similarly to a "warehouse tax," utilizing a complex point system where facilities are charged fees based on the sustainability benchmarks of their operations and trucking partners. To date, the Inland Empire's model has proven costly to the District and has not yet demonstrated effectiveness in significantly reducing pollution.

In contrast, the Chamber has proposed implementing an appointment system at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. This solution would directly eliminate truck idling at the border and improve wait times—enhancing our region's competitiveness while achieving meaningful environmental gains. Notably, the State of California has recently introduced legislation intended to manage these types of programs statewide; however, the bill currently lacks specific details on how it would be implemented or funded.