The United States’ House of Representatives has passed the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorisation Act 2018.
The bill, identical to one that passed the Senate on 14th November, provides owners and operators of commercial vessels under 79 feet with relief from regulations for incidental discharges. Also included in the bill are updates to safety compliance measures.
Leigh Habegger, executive director of Seafood Harvesters of America, a national group representing commercial fishermen, said: “This legislation authorises our seagoing partners in the coast guard to continue their important safety and enforcement work. It provides for the Environmental Protection Agency to continue critical scientific research, it maintains strict environmental protections for our waters, and it frees up our members from unwarranted and unreasonable regulations.”
“We are grateful for the hard work of our champions in both the House and Senate and we urge President Trump to sign it into law in short order,” she added.
