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For Immediate Release |
Contact: Michael Eagle |
Congresswoman Richardson Takes the Helm at Introducing Major Goods Movement Reform to Revitalize America’s Ports and Harbors |
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Washington, DC—Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Democrat from California’s 37th Congressional District today introduced H.R. 3446, The Clean Low-Emissions Authorization Nationwide (CLEAN) Ports Act, and H.R. 3447, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act, both of which demonstrate tremendous leadership regarding Congresswoman Richardson’s commitment to revitalizing America’s ports and harbors. “In light of the successful efforts of the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles, commissioners and city leaders, H.R. 3446 capitalizes on the lessons learned from our port’s leadership and makes operations at our nation’s ports more efficient, environmentally friendly, and competitive in this challenging globalized economy,” Congresswoman Richardson stated. “Further, H.R. 3446 will ensure Long Beach and Los Angeles are not financially at a disadvantage with our nation-wide counterparts as they implement long needed actions that will improve the health of our communities. It will also help our economy because many of these proven and effective technologies are developed and manufactured right here in the United States.” The bill will make energy efficient technologies such as cold-ironing, vessel smoke stack filtration systems, low-emission rail yard locomotives and diesel-electric container yard cranes eligible for funding under the competitive grant program. Specifically, the legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and administer a competitive grant program for seaport governing bodies, such as the Long Beach Port Authority. “H.R. 3447 allows for the deepening of channels surrounding ports and is important because it enables larger ships to navigate through our ports, invigorate our economy and avoid cargo diversion to Canada and the Panama Cannel,” Congresswoman Richardson said. Established in 1986 to cover the costs of the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and maintain America’s harbors, the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) is assessed on all U.S. imports. The revenue generated by that tax is held in a fund called the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. In recent years, however, Congress has appropriated only a portion of the HMT funds for such projects. This year alone, Congress has only allocated $800 million for critically needed dredging projects while the Harbor Trust Fund currently has a balance of approximately $5 billion. This underfunding of dredging projects places American ports at a disadvantage in competing with foreign ports with deeper harbors and thus able to accommodate larger ships and greater cargo volumes. “A dedicated funding source for port and harbor dredging is critically important for maintaining America’s competitiveness in international commerce, generating revenue for our port cities and creating and saving jobs,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “At a time when America is fighting to remain globally competitive, H.R. 3446 and H.R. 3447 assist our communities and harbors as we bare the burden of our nation’s interests.” ### |
