legislation

Industry applauds wide ranging Trump executive order on maritime

President Trump’s much anticipated executive order on maritime turns out to be far more comprehensive than some preliminary reports had suggested. And it’s getting applause from across the maritime industry.

“The Shipbuilders Council of America supports President Trump’s action to restore and strengthen America’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry,” said Matthew Paxton, president of the Shipbuilders Council of America. “The establishment of a Maritime Action Plan that includes a Maritime...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/industry-applauds-wide-ranging-trump-executive-order-on-maritime/

Running on Ice: Mr. Cold Chain goes to Washington

All thawed out
(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The cold chain is headed to Washington, not quite in the same manner as Mr. Smith, but in the form of bipartisan legislation. The Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports (Fridge) Act was introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate. This act would add authority to the Trade Title of the Farm Bill to focus on strengthening the global food supply chain for frozen and refrigerated products. The act would add...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/running-on-ice-mr-cold-chain-goes-to-washington

Arkansas lawmakers debate crackdown on undocumented truckers

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The Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate are debating two bills to enact harsher punishments against truck drivers who are in the U.S. illegally and obtain or use commercial drivers licenses.

Arkansas House Bill 1569 (HB1569), filed in February, calls for commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in the state to “demonstrate proficiency in the English language.” 

These drivers must be able to “read road signs and warning signs,” “understand traffic control devices” and “communicate...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/arkansas-lawmakers-debate-crackdown-on-undocumented-truckers

TTB 2025: Navigating new employment law changes in the Trump era

Kathlyn Perez, founder of New Orleans-based Perez Law LLC, will deliver a comprehensive presentation on the evolving landscape of federal employment law at Marine Log’s TTB 2025 conference in Mobile, Ala., on March 25-26. In light of the recent changes in the priorities of the Trump administration, this session will provide crucial insights for federal contractors and maritime businesses on how to adapt and stay compliant with the latest regulatory shifts.

Perez will start by discussing the...

https://www.marinelog.com/events/ttb-2025-navigating-new-employment-law-changes-in-the-trump-era/

Op-Ed: Industry thoughts on tariffs come to light

Over the last couple of days, Stamatis Tsantanis, chariman and CEO of global shipping company Seanergy Maritime and United Maritime, and Cary S. Davis, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) have released official statements on the Trump administration’s recent tariffs.

In all, Seanergy Maritime and United Maritime have 25 ships in the ocean around the world with more than 4 million in dwt.

Tsantanis had the following to say:

“Tariffs are generally a...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-industry-thoughts-on-tariffs-come-to-light/

SHIPS for America Act introduced

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss,-1) introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

After decades of neglect, the legislators say, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial...

https://www.marinelog.com/legal/legislation/ships-for-america-act-introduced/

European Council adopts major maritime legislative package

The European Council has now adopted four important new pieces of legislation —and, as ever, the devil is in the details in terms of things that vessel owners and operators should start worrying about. The measures are part of a maritime legislative package that, along with one on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), were submitted to the council by the European Commission on June 1, 2023. Among the measures is one that extends the directive on ship sourced pollution to include residues...

https://www.marinelog.com/legal/legislation/european-council-adopts-major-maritime-legislative-package/

Brewin to VP of short-line rail lobbying

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has appointed Nicole Brewin as vice president of congressional affairs. 

Brewin will be leading the congressional affairs team at Washington-based ASLRRA, which represents 600 short-line and regional railroads providing first-mile pickup, last-mile delivery, as well as transfer service, organizing legislative support for issues facing the industry, including investment in infrastructure, and surface transportation and tax policy.

Most...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/brewin-to-lead-short-line-rail-lobbying

Hudson River shipping stakeholders oppose anchoring ban

Mariners operating in New York’s Hudson River are confronting safety challenges amidst efforts to prohibit anchoring in an area prone to dense fog, high winds, and other unpredictable weather conditions. Anchoring is crucial for routine vessel operations, such as crew rest and maintenance. Previously, the maritime industry collaborated on formal regulations for anchorage areas along the river, a move supported by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 2016, the Coast Guard, emphasizing the importance of...

https://www.marinelog.com/legal/legislation/hudson-river-anchoring-anchorages/

NOIA welcomes Energy Permitting Reform Act

In a move applauded by the National Ocean Industry Association, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo), respectively Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, have released the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024.

The bipartisan legislation seeks to strengthen American energy security by accelerating the permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects of all types in the United States.

“The United States of America is...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/noia-welcomes-energy-permitting-reform-act/

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