Coast Guard and Maritime Act of 2006 (H.R. 889) Sent to White House for Approval

Published Jul 6, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

A compromise, final legislative version of H.R. 889 has been posted. Differences between the two bills have been resolved, including the controversial provision supported by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) which would have given the Governor of Massachusetts authority to veto construction of a proposed wind farm in Nantucket Sound. Normally a staunch friend of the environmental lobby, Kennedy has drawn wide criticism for trying to block the project. Instead, the Commandant of the Coast Guard will have the authority to determine operational and safety requirements for the wind farm. The bill awaits White House approval and the President’s signature. The bill also specifies, among other things, increased limits of liability for oil spills from tank vessels, the conditions under which foreign citizens may be used as riding gangs and priority consideration for LNG terminal builders who agree to use only US-flag LNG carriers. The latter provision directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a program to promote the transportation of LNG on U.S. flag vessels.