International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025
Summary
The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2025 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the marine shipping industry. It directs the EPA to assess fees on shipping vessels based on lifecycle carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions and criteria air pollutants. The Act also establishes funding mechanisms for modernizing the Jones Act fleet, research and development of low-carbon maritime fuels, workforce development, and harbor/ferry electrification.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely increase the cost of shipping, potentially impacting the price of imported goods. It will also incentivize the adoption of cleaner technologies in the maritime industry through fees and funding programs. These changes are intended to improve air quality in port communities and reduce the environmental impact of maritime shipping.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from maritime shipping.
- Improved air quality in and around ports.
- Funding for the development and deployment of low-carbon maritime technologies.
- Modernization of the Jones Act fleet with cleaner vessels.
- Workforce development in the green maritime sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for shipping companies, potentially passed on to consumers.
- Complex reporting requirements for vessel operators and importers.
- Potential competitive disadvantage for U.S. ports if fees are significantly higher than in other countries.
- The fees could disproportionately affect smaller businesses or importers.
- Potential delays or disruptions in shipping due to new regulations and reporting requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating international maritime shipping, which falls under interstate and foreign commerce. The Act also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting environmental protection and public health through pollution reduction. The Act's delegation of authority to the EPA is permissible as long as Congress provides clear standards for the agency to follow, which appears to be the case here.
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).