Senator Lovett presents bill to ban high sulfur fuel near Washington shores

Washington State is poised to take significant action against maritime pollution with the introduction of Senate Bill 5519, which aims to prohibit the use of high-sulfur fuels by ocean-going vessels operating within three nautical miles of its coastline starting in 2028. This legislation, modeled after California's successful regulations, seeks to enhance air and water quality by mandating that ships use fuels with a maximum sulfur content of 0.1% by weight.

The bill was presented during a recent meeting of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, where Senator Liz Lovett emphasized the need for cleaner fuels to protect the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystems. Lovett highlighted the environmental risks posed by scrubbers—exhaust gas cleaning systems that some vessels use to comply with existing regulations while still burning cheaper, more polluting fuels. These systems can discharge toxic wastewater into marine environments, raising concerns about their impact on marine life and public health.

Supporters of the bill, including environmental advocates and health professionals, argue that the legislation is crucial for reducing harmful emissions from shipping traffic, which contributes to air pollution and health issues such as asthma and heart disease. They assert that transitioning to low-sulfur fuels will not only protect the environment but also improve public health outcomes.

However, the bill has faced opposition from various industry stakeholders, including representatives from the maritime shipping sector. Critics argue that the legislation could impose significant compliance costs and may not yield the anticipated environmental benefits. They also raised concerns about the potential impact on the development of alternative fuels and technologies that could help achieve broader emissions reduction goals.

The Department of Ecology has been tasked with implementing the bill, which includes provisions for record-keeping and penalties for non-compliance. A fiscal note estimates that the program will initially require $1.5 million from the State General Fund, transitioning to a fee-based system by 2028.

As the bill moves forward, further discussions and stakeholder engagement will be essential to address concerns and refine the legislation. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for environmental regulations in the maritime industry, aligning Washington State with other jurisdictions committed to reducing pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.