Bills Introduced News

The U.S. Interior Department announced Tuesday it will launch its review of the federal oil and gas leasing program on March 25, a key step that will determine whether the Biden administration will permanently halt new leases on federal land and water.The review will kick off with a public forum on oil and gas leasing on federal land and water, with participants representing industry, environmental conservation and justice groups, labor and others, and commence an online comment…

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued a statement in support of two bills introduced in the U.S. Senate this week, which would both extend the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for offshore wind energy.The legislation comes at a critical time for offshore wind in America, as energy developers prepare to start construction on the first wave of large-scale projects.The Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act introduced by Senators Markey (D-MA), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02), as well as the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act introduced by Senators Carper (D-DE) and Collins (R-ME) would…

As the U.S. Coast Guard tightens its BWTS compliance rules and more systems are approved, there are still many unanswered questions for operators finally looking to comply.It’s no secret among marine stakeholders that ballast water regulations remain a top concern at the start of 2018, and a confusing one, to say the least. Hence, if someone offers to sell you a clear, concise and complete ballast water instruction manual, move that email over to your spam filter right away. However…

Insights: Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret), Maritime Administrator, U.S. Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the U.S.

Waterways Council, Inc.’s (WCI) Executive Committee has endorsed two Senate waterways bills introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL): “Mississippi River Navigation Sustainment Act” (S. 565) and “Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act” (WIN P3) (S. 566), co-sponsored by Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL). S. 565 would “provide for the safe and reliable navigation of the Mississippi River, and for other purposes.” Referring to 2011 flooding in drought conditions in 2012-13…

New bills introduced by US Senator Mark Begich are aimed to strengthen Arctic science, health and diplomacy. "As we face an Arctic Ocean which is increasingly ice-free, our country has both an historic opportunity and enormous challenges,” U.S. Sen. Mark Begich said. Strengthening America’s understanding of changes underway in the Arctic, the impacts of Arctic warming on the health of northern residents and strengthening the nation’s international presence in the Arctic are the subjects of three bills recently introduced in the Senate by Begich .

It has been almost two years since the Deepwater Horizon incident occurred on April 20, 2010. As a result of this incident, although there have been many bills introduced in Congress to address issues raised by this incident, as well as numerous related hearings, Congress was unable to see the way clear to actually enact any pollution-related legislation, or for that matter any substantial maritime legislation in 2011. The following is a summary of the action taken by Congress last year and a perspective on such legislation for 2012.

It has been more than 16 months since the Deepwater Horizon incident on April 20, 2010 which resulted in the deaths of 11 and injuries to 17 men working on the platform and the discharge of approximately five million barrels of oil. The well was finally capped on July 15, 2010 yet the Joint Coast Guard and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Investigation final report (Joint Investigation) has not been completed and released to the public. In addition, Congress continues to wait until the final results are released to make its own assessment of what legislation should ultimately be enacted and the complex litigation will be with us for years.

Senator Menendez (D-NJ) introduced two bills relating to oil spill liability. The Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act of 2010 (S. 3305) would raise the limit of liability for oil spills from offshore facilities for costs other than removal costs from $75m to $10b. It would also be retroactive to April 15, 2010. The Big Oil Bailout Prevention Trust Fund Act of 2010 (S. 3306) would eliminate the provision that currently prevents expenditure by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) of more than $1b per incident. It would also allow the OSLTF to borrow from the General Treasury all monies as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of the Trust Fund.

The U.S. Arctic Research Commission believes that the U.S. needs a robust research program to address spill response in broken ice, as shipping moves into the Arctic Ocean and offshore oil drilling - in several Arctic nations - moves forward. Mead Treadwell, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, prepared testimony for the August 20 field hearing in Anchorage of the U.S. Senate's Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Treadwell told the committee that, contrary to laws passed by Congress after the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in 1989, a significant national oil spill research program does not exist, nor is one planned to fit the special needs of the Arctic. It was anticipated that the U.S.

Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4416) to establish the Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Committee. Representative Crane (R-IL) introduced a bill (H.R. 4418) to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the United States International Trade Commission, and for other purposes. Representative Obey (D-WI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

Senator Clinton (D-NY) and Rep. Bishop (D-NY) introduced companion bills, the Long Island Sound Protection Act (S. 2482 and H.R. 4482) to amend the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping of dredged material in certain bodies of water. Source: HK Law

The year 2000 has enjoyed special significance as a transition year bridging two centuries. Similarly it has significance with U.S. lawmakers for the Second Session of the 106th Congress. As the last year of the currently elected Congress, this year anticipates action on a series of pending legislative measures and yet to be introduced proposals affecting the maritime industry. Specifically tax-related legislation and maritime policy-related legislation could be addressed. There are several tax-related provisions that could be considered. One of the main bills emphasizing maritime tax issues has been introduced in the House by Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA) as H.R. 3225 and in the Senate by Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) as S. 1858. These bills include such measures as:A.

Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced a bill (H.R. 50) to provide for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes. (1/4/05). Representative Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) introduced a bill (H.R. 91) to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to first responders, and for other purposes. (1/4/05). Representative Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a bill (H.R. 153) to provide increased rail and public transportation security. (1/4/05). Representative Millender-McDonald (D-CA) introduced a bill (H.R. 163) to amend title 46, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out an empty shipping container sealing pilot program to encourage shipping container handlers to seal empty shipping containers after they have unpacked them…

Representative Harman (D-CA) and Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced companion bills (H.R. 1731 and S. 855) to improve the security of the Nation’s ports by providing Federal grants to support Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and to address vulnerabilities in port areas identified in approved vulnerability assessments or by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (HK Law)

Senator Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Solis (D-CA) introduced the Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007 in companion versions (S. 1499 and H.R. 2548 respectively) to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels. The bills, if enacted into law, would wholly ignore MARPOL Annex VI and impose unilateral standards for sulfur levels in marine fuels and require advanced marine vessel emission controls on new and in-use marine engines. Source: HK Law

the Jones Act. According to MCTF, bills introduced by Rep. for (1) all non-contiguous U.S. alone; and (3) Hawaii agriculture and livestock. addition of new, state-of-the-art containerships and auto carriers. The Jones Act and related cabotage laws form the cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy. military and economic soundness. percent of the nation's freight bill. provided support for U.S. troops engaged in the conflict. companies in other modes of domestic transportation.

Senator Kerry (D-MA) and Representative Capuano (D-MA) introduced companion bills (S. 1310

Two bills have been introduced in Maine to address water pollution from cruise ships. State Senator Michael Brennan (D) introduced an 'Act to Protect Maines Coastal Waters

Massachusetts House Bill 59 (HB 59) was reported out of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture and referred to the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee. HB 59 is similar to bills introduced, but never enacted, in the 1997 and 1998 state legislative sessions. The bill requires all tank barges transporting bulk petroleum products be equipped with an operable anchor system and be manned, unless the state Department of Environmental Protection determines alternative technical or operational measures provide an equivalent degree of protection. If the bill is released by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, it can go to the floor for a third reading or for a vote. A third reading will enable individuals opposed to the bill to provide testimony to the committee.