summary
Introduced
02/04/2015
02/04/2015
In Committee
02/26/2015
02/26/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act This bill requires the Coast Guard to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters. The Coast Guard's existing rule for ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel are adopted until those performance standards are revised or a more stringent state standard is adopted. Ballast water is water taken aboard a vessel to control stability or during the operation of a vessel's ballast water treatment technology. Within two years, the Coast Guard must establish best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water. By January 1, 2020, the Coast Guard must complete a feasibility review to determine whether revising ballast water performance standards will result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. The Coast Guard must establish a revised standard based on the ballast water treatment technology available. Further revisions to the performance standards are to be considered every 10 years. This bill establishes a certification requirement for ballast water treatment technology. The Coast Guard may not approve a technology if it uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide. This bill establishes a petition process for a state seeking to enforce a state or local statute or regulation related to ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel that is more stringent than federal performance standards.
AI Summary
This bill, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, establishes uniform national standards for regulating discharges from vessels into navigable waters, aiming to protect the environment. It mandates the Coast Guard to create and enforce these standards, which will supersede existing state and local regulations. Initially, the Coast Guard will adopt its existing rules for ballast water discharges, which is water taken aboard a vessel for stability or during the operation of treatment technology, until new performance standards are set. Within two years, the Coast Guard must also develop best management practices for other vessel discharges besides ballast water. The bill requires a review by January 1, 2020, to assess if revising ballast water standards will significantly reduce the risk of introducing aquatic nuisance species, and mandates the establishment of revised standards based on available treatment technology, with further reviews every ten years. Additionally, it introduces a certification process for ballast water treatment technology, prohibiting approval of technologies that use or generate pesticides, and establishes a procedure for states to petition for the enforcement of more stringent state or local ballast water discharge regulations if they meet specific criteria.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (28)
Marco Rubio (R)*,
Kelly Ayotte (R),
Roy Blunt (R),
John Boozman (R),
Shelley Moore Capito (R),
Bob Casey (D),
Bill Cassidy (R),
Thad Cochran (R),
Susan Collins (R),
Chris Coons (D),
John Cornyn (R),
Mike Crapo (R),
Lindsey Graham (R),
Mazie Hirono (D),
James Inhofe (R),
Johnny Isakson (R),
Joe Manchin (I),
Claire McCaskill (D),
Bill Nelson (D),
Jim Risch (R),
Brian Schatz (D),
Jeanne Shaheen (D),
Richard Shelby (R),
Dan Sullivan (R),
John Thune (R),
Pat Toomey (R),
David Vitter (R),
Roger Wicker (R),
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 171. (on 07/29/2015)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/373/all-info | 02/06/2015 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s373/BILLS-114s373is.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s373/BILLS-114s373rs.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s373/BILLS-114s373is.pdf.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s373/BILLS-114s373rs.pdf.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s373rs/pdf/BILLS-114s373rs.pdf | 07/31/2015 |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s373rs/pdf/BILLS-114s373rs.pdf.pdf | 07/31/2015 |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s373is/pdf/BILLS-114s373is.pdf | 02/20/2015 |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s373is/pdf/BILLS-114s373is.pdf.pdf | 02/20/2015 |
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