To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to support the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels and retrofit or replacement of existing vessels with zero-emission technologies and charging or fueling infrastructure, and for other purposes.
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Committee
Latest Action · November 20, 2024
Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Zero-Emission Vessel Innovation Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a new funding program to support the research, development, and deployment of zero-emission ships and the conversion of existing vessels to clean technologies, along with the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure. The program will provide eligible entities—including ship owners and operators, manufacturers, ports, and academic institutions—with grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees, with priority given to projects that advance efficiency, reduce costs, engage affected communities, and support workforce training. The bill authorizes one billion dollars annually for the program from 2025 through 2034, with up to ten percent of funds usable for administrative costs, and requires prevailing wage standards for workers on funded projects. The legislation also establishes an advisory committee composed of representatives from federal agencies, labor groups, environmental organizations, the maritime industry, and ports to evaluate technology gaps and recommend strategies for advancing zero-emission shipping. Notably, the bill prohibits any funding from being used for automated or autonomous vessel systems.
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