ACR 83: California Maritime Day.

WHEREAS, California’s rich maritime history has played a critical role in the state’s economic development, national defense, and cultural identity, from the establishment of the Port of San Francisco during the Gold Rush to the massive shipbuilding efforts of World War II centered in places like the Cities of Richmond and San Diego and the community of San Pedro; and

WHEREAS, California’s shipyards once employed tens of thousands of skilled workers and were instrumental in building Liberty ships, naval vessels, and commercial cargo ships that supported both war efforts and peacetime commerce; and

WHEREAS, Advances in global shipbuilding have led to the outsourcing of this once-vital industry to foreign nations, resulting in the loss of domestic manufacturing capability, skilled labor, and maritime self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, The reestablishment of a robust shipbuilding industry in California would generate high-wage union jobs, revitalize coastal economies, provide career pathways in skilled trades, engineering, and green maritime technology, and strengthen California’s industrial resilience; and

WHEREAS, Modern shipbuilding offers California an opportunity to lead in sustainable vessel design, electrification of port infrastructure, and the development of green shipping corridors aligned with the state’s ambitious climate goals; and

WHEREAS, The federal government has prioritized investment in new maritime manufacturing as a matter of economic resilience, national security, and environmental sustainability, creating a timely opportunity for federal-state partnerships in California to modernize shipyards, expand workforce training, and support innovation in commercial, military, and clean energy maritime industries; and

WHEREAS, Revitalizing California’s shipbuilding capabilities can contribute to national security, energy independence, and the creation of domestic supply chains critical for commercial and military maritime operations; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims May 22, 2025, as California Maritime Day in the State of California; and be it further

Resolved, That individuals of all ages and backgrounds throughout California and beyond are encouraged to recognize the historic and strategic importance of California’s maritime legacy and to express their support for efforts to bring shipbuilding back to California’s ports and coastal communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature urges federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private industry, to collaborate on policies, incentives, workforce development, and infrastructure investments that will enable the reestablishment of a competitive and sustainable shipbuilding industry in California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor of California, the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Navy, the United States Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, the Chair of the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and all relevant stakeholders.