The Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which passed the U.S. Senate earlier this month, and won approval in the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 27, was signed into law on Dec. 4 by President Donald Trump.
The bill, which is identical to one passed by the Senate on Nov.14, includes the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, which provides a permanent exemption for commercial vessels, including fishing vessels, under 75 feet from the need to obtain permits though the Environmental Protection Agency for ballastwater and other incidental discharges.
“This new law includes a number of priorities and provisions of Alaskan interest, including a focus on the Coast Guard’s recapitalization efforts, positioning of Coast Guard assets to respond in the Arctic, a plan to address our nation’s ice breaking capabilities and more,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, co-author of the bill. “The Act will significantly help the men and women of the Coast Guard with their important mission to, among other things, protect our national security and our citizens when they are in trouble on the seas. In Alaska, we very much appreciate all the work that the Coast Guard does for all of us.”
“This bill is a step towards further developing our presence in the Arctic and will help us engage more deeply in activities in the north,providing an opportunity for increased development in the region,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who voted for the bill. “I’m particularly pleased that this bill will permanently exempt Alaskans from the EPA incidental discharge regulation, providing much needed protection for our fishermen and coastal communities.”
In the past, Alaska fish harvesters and over 8,000 boats statewide were at risk of fines for simply rinsing fish guts off their decks, or rainwater washing other materials off their decks.
“This finally resolves this issue,” she said.
Also included is the reauthorization of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, to improve hydrographic surveying, especially of the Arctic, plus a waiver to protect shipyard jobs at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash. and facilitate construction of a home port for the NOAA research vessel Fairweather in Ketchikan.
The bicameral agreement was also co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators John Thune R-SD, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee; Bill Nelson, D-Florida, and Murkowski.
The bill authorizes increased funding to support the U.S. Coast Guard through 2019.
