Maritime Pollution Fees: Cleaner Ports, Costs for Importers.
This law imposes new, escalating fees on large cargo vessels for greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions during voyages to the US. The goal is to improve air quality in port cities and combat climate change. Funds collected will finance the modernization of the domestic fleet, research into clean maritime fuels, and air monitoring near ports, leading to a healthier environment but increasing costs for importers.
Key points
New fees are established for CO2 emissions ($150 per metric ton, plus inflation) and criteria air pollutants (NOx, SO2, PM2.5) for cargo vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage or more.
Air pollutant fees apply specifically to fuel burned within US territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone, targeting pollution affecting port communities.
Importers of goods must pay a prorated fee for cargo bound for the US, which is reduced by any fees assessed on the vessel operator.
100% of the collected fees will fund programs for domestic vessel electrification, port modernization, and clean fuel research, benefiting public health and the environment.
Introduced
Citizen Poll