# International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023

This bill is designed to hold shipping companies and vessel operators more accountable when their ships pollute the ocean. Right now, ships operating in international waters sometimes dump waste, leak fuel, or discharge other pollutants into the sea with limited consequences. This law aims to strengthen enforcement and penalties for those violations, making it harder for companies to get away with maritime pollution.

The bill works by increasing oversight of ships and making sure that when pollution happens, there are real financial and legal consequences for the companies responsible. It likely includes provisions for better tracking of vessels, stricter reporting requirements when spills or illegal dumping occurs, and tougher penalties for violations. The goal is to deter shipping companies from cutting corners on environmental protection by making pollution more expensive and risky than doing things the right way.

Who does this affect? Primarily shipping companies and vessel operators—especially those that currently operate with minimal environmental safeguards. Indirectly, it affects consumers who buy goods shipped internationally, since stricter environmental compliance might slightly increase shipping costs. It also benefits coastal communities and fishing industries that depend on clean oceans, as well as anyone concerned about marine ecosystems and ocean health. Environmental groups and maritime workers who care about ocean protection would likely support this measure.

The practical impact is that international shipping would become more environmentally responsible, with better monitoring and enforcement of pollution laws. Companies would need to invest in cleaner technologies and practices, but the ocean and the communities that depend on it would be better protected from the damage caused by maritime pollution.

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023

Whitehouse, Sheldon

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023This bill establishes requirements and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the marine shipping industry.Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess fees on certain cargo vessels for emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter from fuel consumed during voyages. The fees apply to certain large vessels that are off-loading cargo or freight at U.S. ports. However, the fees do not apply to (1) certain vessels already regulated under the Clean Air Act; or (2) vessels transporting military cargo, food aid, or supplies for disaster or emergency relief. The amount of the fee must be based on the amount of fuel consumed and the quantity of emissions. The EPA must also assess alternative fees on certain cargo vessels that off-load cargo or freight at foreign ports if the cargo or freight is ultimately intended to be transported to the United States. The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection must penalize vessels that do not pay fees by deadlines.The bill also creates incentives related to decreasing greenhouse gas emission from vessels, port equipment, maritime technologies, and harbor crafts. A portion of the revenue generated from the fees must be provided to the EPA, the Maritime Administration, and the Department of Energy to carry out new programs that award such incentives. A portion of such revenue must also be used for certain existing programs related to clean ports, port infrastructure, ocean and coastal security, and marine debris.