STATEMENT: Ocean Conservancy Endorses the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) jointly introduced the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager, issued the following statement in response to the reintroduction:

“Global shipping is responsible for 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, equal to the emissions from 112 billion gallons of gasoline. This pollution heats our ocean, drives climate change and chokes portside communities with toxic fumes. But the U.S. can chart a new course. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would charge a fee to large ships offloading cargo at U.S. ports for their emissions, and use the funds to make critical upgrades here in the U.S., like electrifying ports, modernizing vessels and switching to cleaner fuel. Passing this bill would protect the ocean, reduce climate impacts and create cleaner air for millions of Americans living near ports. It would also make the entire U.S. maritime sector including American ships more efficient and competitive. Ocean Conservancy is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Matsui and Mullin and Senators Whitehouse and Padilla on this critical issue. For the health of our ocean and our communities, we urge Congress to pass this common sense legislation.”

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ABOUT THE BILL

Ocean Conservancy endorsed the legislation when it was first introduced in the Senate on World Oceans Day in June 2023 and again when it was introduced in the House in 2024. We have continually worked with Members of Congress to refine the scope and language of the bill. 

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  
Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.