WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Zero-Emission Vessel Innovation Act, a bill that would support the development and deployment of clean shipping technology to transition to zero-emission vessels. The legislation would significantly reduce pollution, promote environmental justice, and green the shipping industry—a vital component of the global economy and coastal communities.

Maritime shipping is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in coastal communities. As port economies continue to grow, the need for sustainable maritime solutions is more urgent than ever.

“I’m proud to introduce The Zero-Emission Vessel Innovation Act, which provides critical investments to transition the maritime sector toward zero-emission technologies. This will help the U.S. meet its climate goals while addressing environmental justice concerns in our port communities, including the Port of Los Angeles in my district. By investing in the research, development, and deployment of green-shipping technologies, Congress can promote a cleaner maritime sector that aligns with the nation’s broader climate goals,” said Representative Barragan.

The legislation authorizes a $1 billion a year Zero Emission Vessel Innovation Fund within the Maritime Administration to provide grants and low-interest loans to accelerate projects focused on zero-emission vessels, clean alternative fuel vessels that reduce ship emissions by at least 90%, and the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure to support both.

The bill prioritizes projects that launch job training programs for maritime workers, include extensive input from port communities, use project labor agreements, and bring co-benefits such as reduced underwater noise.

Funding for automated ships is prohibited, to safeguard good paying maritime jobs.

By prioritizing innovative clean shipping solutions and centering the needs of impacted communities, the legislation is set to redefine the future of maritime transport, paving the way for a cleaner, greener shipping industry.

“We applaud Representative Barragán for introducing the Zero-Emission Vessel Innovation Act,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment. “This bill will provide much-needed dedicated funding for the research, development and deployment of zero-emission ships and supporting infrastructure. Importantly, the bill prioritizes projects that advance environmental justice, engage frontline communities disproportionately harmed by maritime pollution and support workforce development. We call on Congress to pass this bill to accelerate the shipping industry’s transition off of dirty fossil fuels and help spur the market for the green-shipping technologies of the future.”

“Transitioning the shipping industry to zero-emission technologies has the power to help us meet global climate goals and improve public health, and that starts right here in the U.S. This bill would provide much needed resources to ensure that we have the vessels, technologies, and charging or fueling infrastructure needed to make the transition to clean shipping in the United States. We are grateful for Representative Barragán’s unwavering support in the pursuit of cleaner shipping in the U.S. and a future with clean air for all.” – Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s U.S. shipping emissions policy manager

“The Zero-Emission Vessel Innovation Act is a transformative bill, positioning the U.S. to help lead the way in innovative technologies and designs that will propel a new era of green shipping,” said Regan Nelson, senior ocean advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council. “Importantly, Representative Barragan’s bill will support the transition to carbon-free and quiet ships, securing wins for the climate, public health, and marine wildlife that are harmed by ocean noise.”

The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Kevin Mullin (Calif.), Seth Magaziner (R.I.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), Valerie Foushee (N.C.), Troy Carter (La.), and Robert Garcia (Calif.)

The full text of the bill can be found here.

The following organizations have supported the legislation: Pacific Environment, Ocean Conservancy, NRDC, Green Latinos, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, Communities for a Healthy Bay, Clean Air Task Force, Move LA, Little Manila Rising, California Environmental Voters, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sunflower Alliance, Coalition for Clean Air, Brightline Defense, Ocean Defense Initiative, Stand.Earth, International Electric Marine Association, ExploMar, ZULU Associates, Fourth Tack LLC, Elliott Bay Design Group, EV Maritime, MOLABO, NT Systems, Waterfront Alliance.

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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44^th District.  She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues.  She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).