Washington (April 14, 2021)— Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced the Expanding Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program (META) Act. This legislation supports the reduction of air emissions from ports and vessels by authorizing an additional $3 million for the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program, which will fund research and activities related to zero-emission technologies. Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

 

“The international maritime sector is a substantial contributor to global carbon emissions and the worsening climate crisis,” said Senator Markey. “We need to find a way to decarbonize our ports and vessels for a holistic transition to a clean energy future. This legislation will provide much-needed funding to the maritime sector to enable more research and help make that low-carbon transition.”

 

“Commerce by sea is cleaner and safer than land, but traditional maritime fuel emits harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. Without decisive action in the maritime industry and elsewhere, we are going to experience severe impacts on our way of life from sea-level rise, flooding, and more frequent extreme weather events,” said Representative Carbajal. “I'm glad to be introducing this bipartisan bill with Senator Markey and Representative Gibbs, which invests in research and development of zero-emission port and vessel technology so we can reduce emissions in the maritime sector. ”

 

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

 

This legislation is endorsed by the Environmental Defense Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, and the American Waterways Operators.