Posted on February 12, 2025
Trump Appointees Confirmed to Key Cabinet Positions. On January 25, the U.S. Senate voted 59-34 to confirm South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, the department that oversees the U.S. Coast Guard. The Senate voted 77-22 to confirm Sean Duffy, the former U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 7th District, as Secretary of Transportation on January 28, a role in which he will oversee the U.S. Maritime Administration. Additionally, on January 29, the Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin, the former U.S. representative for New York’s 1st District, to run the Environmental Protection Agency by a vote of 56-42.
AWO looks forward to working with these members of President Trump’s Cabinet to reinforce our industry’s role as an essential partner in homeland security; a vital component of the supply chain, including the transportation of American energy; and a job creator and safety and sustainability leader.
Coast Guard Data Shows Fewer Lost Barge Days during 2024 Low Water Season. The Coast Guard recently released a graphic comparing low water impacts on navigation on the Lower Mississippi River over the past three years and showing that groundings, closures, and restrictions significantly declined in 2024 compared to previous low water seasons. This outcome is a direct result of the River Industry Executive Task Force and the Lower Mississippi River Committee’s important work to prepare for low water events and minimize impacts to navigation. These efforts have also greatly improved coordination and communication between industry, the Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
AWO Urges California Governor to Withdraw Harbor Craft Rule Amendments. AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to withdraw the 2022 amendments to the California Air Resources Board’s Commercial Harbor Craft Rule. Jennifer elaborated on AWO’s concerns about the CHC rule in a recent video interview with Maritime Reporter TV; watch here.
PIDP Grants Open for Application. The Maritime Administration has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for 2025 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grants. Under the terms of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, $450 million is available to improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports, as well as for environmental and emissions mitigation measures. Private companies are eligible to apply jointly with a public entity, such as a port authority. It is unclear how recent Executive Orders freezing federal grant programs will ultimately impact PIDP funding and timelines; AWO will continue to monitor this issue. The deadline for applications is currently set for April 30, 2024.
TRB Conference to Focus on Marine Transportation System Security and Safety. The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is hosting a conference on innovative science and technologies aimed at enhancing the security and safety of the Marine Transportation System (MTS). Scheduled for June 23-26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., this event will bring together experts and stakeholders to address critical issues and explore advancements in maritime security and safety. Topics covered will include: cybersecurity, marine facility and waterways security, mariner safety, climate resilience, maritime safety data systems, and more. Presentation ideas may be submitted by February 15, 2025.
AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring a deep dive into the Virginia Governor’s race, insights on upcoming special elections, and more.
AWO PAC is the connected political action committee for The American Waterways Operators and serves as the trade association’s separate segregated fund. As a trade association, AWO is prohibited from using general treasury funds or membership dues to make federal contributions. AWO is one of the most effective advocacy associations in Washington, DC, and relies on voluntary personal contributions to fund AWO PAC.
AWO PAC supports federal candidates who are champions of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry and who are leaders on issues important to our industry. AWO PAC is dedicated to protecting AWO members’ investments in the safest, most environmentally responsible and most economical mode of freight transportation and safeguarding the integrity of the Jones Act to protect the bottom lines of our members.
AWO PAC may solicit contributions from individuals of a member company once the member representative gives AWO written prior approval.
AWO Hosts State Barge-In as Part of Washington Maritime Day. AWO hosted a Barge-In in Washington State on January 29 as part of Washington Maritime Federation’s Maritime Day. Over 60 maritime leaders took part in the event, meeting with and educating state legislators and the governor’s office on the importance of the tugboat, towboat and barge industry and American maritime. Topics covered included the need for career and technical education, the importance of the Snake River Dams for maritime transportation, and the role of the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry in transporting cargo throughout the state. This annual event was co-organized by Peter Schrappen, AWO’s Vice President — Pacific Region and Regional Team Lead.
AWO Meets with Port Executives in LA/Long Beach. AWO Vice President — Pacific Region and Regional Team Lead Peter Schrappen joined maritime stakeholders from across California to hear from leaders of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) and Port of Los Angeles at the State of the Port of Los Angeles event. After the event, Peter and PMSA’s leadership team met with senior staff at the Port of LA/Long Beach, the nation’s busiest port, to discuss tug availability and the impact of the Commercial Harbor Craft rule on the tugboat, towboat and barge industry.
AWO Publishes 2024 Annual Report. AWO recently published its 2024 Annual Report: Building Tomorrow’s Legacy. The report highlights AWO’s work on members’ behalf as the industry’s advocate, resource, and united voice for safe, sustainable and efficient transportation on America’s waterways, oceans and coasts.
Join our Social Media Campaign Showcasing Family and Friendship in Our Industry! The tugboat, towboat, and barge industry is a family — a tight-knit industry that forges lifelong relationships and spans generations. Our ongoing #ttbconnected social media campaign highlights the relationships that make up our industry, with posts including photos or videos of AWO members and their stories. Examples can include friendships, marriages, and family (generational careers in a company, family-owned companies). Thank you to all who have already participated!
