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Committee debates low-sulfur maritime fuel standard as ports and environmental groups clash
Summary
HB 16-52 would require 0.1% sulfur fuel in state waters and create recordkeeping, fee, and enforcement mechanisms; ports and shipping interests warned the change could effectively outlaw scrubbers and harm port competitiveness, while environmental groups and physicians urged the measure to reduce toxic scrubber discharges and protect public health.
Staff told the committee House Bill 16-52 would establish a 0.1% sulfur standard for certain ocean-going vessels operating in Washington waters (within three miles), require recordkeeping and allow the Department of Ecology to adopt implementing rules and fees. Staff described international standards (IMO) and emissions control areas (ECAs) as the regulatory context.
Representative Deborah Lekanoff, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would reduce use of high-sulfur fuels and the discharge of scrubber washwater that transfers pollution into…
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