Posted on July 18, 2022
US Congress representatives for the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have proposed the Clean Shipping Act, the first legislation in the US tailored to target shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Congressman Alan Lowenthal and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán have co-sponsored and proposed the bill on 12 July.
The Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is modelled off of the European Union’s Fit for 55 regulatory framework for shipping.
The bill aims to clean up the shipping industry, protect the health of port communities, address environmental injustice, and provide solutions to the climate crisis – including eliminating carbon by 2040, and introduce mandatory requirements to eliminate in-port ship emissions by 2030.
READ: Port of Long Beach joins Green Shipping Corridor
“We no longer have the luxury of waiting to act,” said Congressman Lowenthal.
“We must face the fact that we are at a tipping point in the climate crisis; we must move beyond fossil fuels, and that includes air, land and sea transportation sources. No emissions sources can go overlooked.
“This legislation will set clear standards, and drive the investment and innovation we need to transition to a zero carbon future. It will clean up our ports once and for all, with a straightforward nationwide policy.
“This bill is the right policy for the future of our planet, for the health of our communities, and ultimately for the resiliency of goods movement.”
Upon approval, the bill would give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) powers to set carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships.
“The Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is bold legislation that will make the United States a global climate leader in addressing pollution from the shipping industry and protect the health of port communities in Los Angeles and around the country,” added Congresswoman Barragán.
The port’s green programme was launched in 2012 and rewards vessel operators who deploy the cleanest available ships to Long Beach. The incentive available offers rewards based on engine type, fuel type and other efficiency improvements that reduce emissions above and beyond international standards.
