This bill modifies federal maritime shipping law to allow energy products to be transported by vessel between the U.S. mainland and noncontiguous territories—Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico—without the restrictions that normally apply to domestic shipping. Currently, strict "coastwise laws" require ships transporting goods between U.S. ports to be U.S.-built and U.S.-operated, which increases costs. This legislation exempts energy products, including renewable energy equipment (solar panels, wind turbines), fuel sources (liquefied natural gas, petroleum products), and electricity infrastructure, from those restrictions when at least one endpoint is in a noncontiguous U.S. territory. The bill aims to reduce energy costs and improve access to reliable power in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico by enabling cheaper foreign-vessel transport of energy supplies. There is no specific funding or timeline specified in the legislation; it would take effect upon enactment.
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