New Fees on Cargo Ships to Fund Port Decarbonization and Reduce Pollution.
This bill introduces new fees on large cargo vessels (10,000 gross tonnage or more) based on their greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions during covered voyages. The goal is to hold the shipping industry accountable for pollution that affects port communities and contributes to climate change. The money collected from these fees will be used to fund programs aimed at modernizing the Jones Act fleet, electrifying harbor craft and ferries, and improving air quality monitoring near ports.
Key points
Pollution Fees Imposed: Large cargo vessels entering US ports will face new fees based on their carbon emissions ($150 per metric ton of CO2-e) and specific air pollutants emitted in US waters, starting January 2025.
Cleaner Air for Port Communities: A portion of the collected funds will be invested in electrifying harbor craft and ferries, and establishing fenceline air monitoring at port boundaries.
Funding Green Shipping: The fees will finance grants and loans for owners of Jones Act vessels to replace or retrofit their ships with zero-emission or low-carbon technologies.
Consequence for Imports: These new fees on operators of covered voyages and importers represent new operational costs.
Expired
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