Bill Introduced to Evaluate Certain Vessel Discharges

Senator Stevens (R-AK) introduced the Vessel Discharge Evaluation and Review Act (S. 2645) to require the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, to conduct an evaluation and review of certain vessel discharges. This bill, if enacted, would continue the exceptions currently allowed for discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels until the evaluation is completed. Once the evaluation is completed and vetted, the bill would direct the Coast Guard to establish uniform national discharge standards for most commercial vessels operating in US waters. Source: HK Law