(July 15, 2008) -- A state bill seeking to impose a $30-per-TEU statewide fee on all containers moving through California's three largest ports passed the State Assembly today (July 15).

The bill, authored by State Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Paramount) passed 45-29, garnering four more votes than required for passage.

Lowenthal will now have to bring the bill for a concurrence vote in the State Senate, which, if it passes, would allow the bill to go to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature. The Governor has already indicated that he supports the bill and is expected to sign it if it reaches his desk...

During debate on the bill, Assembly supporters mainly pressed home that the bill would help to alleviate the negative impacts of ports and goods movement throughout the state....

Opponents of the bill pointed to the possible loss of jobs and an increase in the cost of goods to consumers...

On Monday, Lowenthal added more than 150 amendments to the bill, most of them mainly technical matters, but some substantive...including a detailed list of more than 140 projects that would be eligible for SB974 funds...and an amendment allowing Southern California project planners to substitute "similar" projects for those specified in the bill.

To view SB 974 as amended, click here.