H.R. 9185: Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act

This bill, titled the Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act, aims to create a program focused on reducing air pollution and protecting blue whales along the western coast of the United States. Here are the main points of the bill:

Establishment of the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program

The bill requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to set up the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program within 12 months of its enactment. This program will involve:

• Encouraging eligible vessels to voluntarily reduce their speed while traveling in designated areas to lower air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the risk of whale strikes.
• Awarding annual Blue Whales and Blue Skies Excellence Awards to vessels that demonstrate successful participation and compliance with the program.

Program Requirements

The Under Secretary must develop the program using the existing Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Vessel Speed Reduction Program as a model. This includes consulting with various marine and environmental agencies to enhance the effectiveness of the program.

Annual Awards

The Under Secretary will grant awards to the owners of eligible vessels that comply with the program requirements. To qualify for these awards, vessels must generally travel at a speed of 10 knots or slower in designated areas, or an alternative speed set by program guidelines.

Official Logo

An official logo symbolizing compliance with the program will be created, which eligible shipping companies can use on their vessels if they receive awards, alongside information about the company and award details.

Extension of Program

Within four years of the bill's enactment, the Under Secretary will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the program to additional shipping routes along the U.S. Pacific coast and report findings to relevant Congressional committees.

Limitations

The bill clarifies that participation in the program is voluntary, does not provide financial incentives for involvement, and will not interfere with navigation safety requirements.

Definitions

• Eligible Vessel: Any vessel that is 300 gross tons or greater, approved for participation in the program.
• Program: Refers to the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program established by this bill.
• Program Area: The marine area around the western coast of the United States designated for the program.

Relevant Companies

• CARN: This company operates in the shipping industry and may need to adjust vessel speeds to comply with potential program requirements.
• UPS: As a major logistics company, UPS could be impacted by the speed reduction measures for its shipping fleet in the designated areas.
• FDX: Similar to UPS, FedEx may have to adapt its operational practices to align with the program's requirements for its vessel operations.