US lawmakers propose twin bills to tackle maritime pollution

Two United States lawmakers have introduced a pair of bills aimed at cutting down on dangerous air pollution within the maritime transport industry.

As disclosed, on July 10, California-representing US Senator Alex Padilla reintroduced the Clean Shipping Act of 2025, led by House Representative Robert Garcia, targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction from shipping to preserve the health of port communities and tackle the environmental injustice impacts of the climate crisis.

Padilla also co-leads the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, led by Rhode Island-representing Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and House Representatives, California’s Doris Matsui and Kevin Mullin. The bill seeks to slash emissions by imposing a pollution fee on large marine ships offloading cargo at American ports to fund decarbonization efforts in the US maritime economy.

“California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long. Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities,” Senator Padilla highlighted.

“As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we