US HB980 | 2015-2016 | 114th Congress

Status

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 37-5)
Status: Introduced on February 13 2015 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2015-02-17 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Pending: House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

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.

Tracking Information

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Title

Vessel Incidental Discharge Act

Sponsors


History

DateChamberAction
2015-02-17HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
2015-02-13HouseReferred to the House Committee on Transportation.
2015-02-13HouseIntroduced in House

Same As/Similar To

SB373 (Related) 2015-07-29 - Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 171.
HB4909 (Related) 2016-05-26 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 502.

Subjects


US Congress State Sources


Bill Comments

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