International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025
Summary
The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025 aims to reduce greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions from the marine shipping industry. It mandates the EPA to assess fees on shipping vessels based on their lifecycle carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions and criteria air pollutant emissions. The collected fees will fund programs designed to modernize the Jones Act fleet, support research and development for low-carbon maritime fuels, and promote workforce development.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the cost of shipping goods to and from the United States. This could incentivize the adoption of cleaner technologies in the maritime shipping sector. It also establishes several grant and rebate programs to support the transition to more sustainable practices.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from maritime shipping.
- Improved air quality in port communities.
- Funding for the modernization of the Jones Act fleet with low-carbon technologies.
- Support for research and development of sustainable maritime fuels.
- Workforce development in the maritime sector focused on zero-emission technologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for shipping companies, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Complex reporting requirements for vessel operators and importers.
- Potential competitive disadvantage for U.S. ports if international fees are not aligned.
- The fees may disproportionately affect smaller businesses or importers.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the fee structure is not carefully designed and implemented.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily based on the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. The bill also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting environmental protection and public health. The appropriations outlined in Section 7 align with Congress's power to appropriate funds for specific purposes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).