LaTourette measure to help Great Lakes shippers passes
Monday, July 18, 2011
U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) today announced that an
amendment he offered to help Great Lakes shippers was approved and
is now in the House spending bill that funds the EPA and Great
Lakes programs.
The LaTourette amendment prohibits states from receiving EPA
funding if they have adopted ballast water requirements that are
more stringent than federal requirements. The amendment was adopted
by voice vote, meaning no recorded vote was necessary. Ships
take in or discharge ballast water as they load or unload cargo to
maintain the ship's stability.
LaTourette said a hodgepodge of state ballast water standards
would cripple Great Lakes waterborne commerce, and was very pleased
that his amendment was successful.
Great Lakes-Seaway News called the Congressman's efforts "a
stunning legislative and policy victory."
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