Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1896
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-03T08:06:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 1896: Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act
Purpose
This bill aims to expand the federal renewable fuel program under the Clean Air Act by including fuel used in ocean-going vessels (large ships that travel internationally) as an eligible type of fuel. The goal is to encourage the use of renewable fuels in the shipping industry to reduce fossil fuel reliance and lower emissions from maritime transport.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Definitions: Updates Section 211(o)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(1)(A)) by adding "fuel for ocean-going vessels" to the existing list of fuels (home heating oil and jet fuel) where the fossil fuel content can be replaced with renewable sources to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs). RINs are credits that help meet national renewable fuel blending requirements.
- Effective Date: The change applies starting in the first full calendar year after the bill is enacted into law.
- Regulatory Requirements: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator must issue necessary regulations to implement the amendment within 365 days of enactment.
- Reporting Obligation: Within 365 days after finalizing the regulations, the EPA must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The report will cover how the amendment and regulations are being implemented.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The Clean Air Act's renewable fuel standard (RFS) program currently allows renewable fuels to generate credits only for specific sectors like home heating and aviation. This bill broadens the program to include maritime shipping fuel, enabling ocean-going vessels to participate in credit generation for the first time. This is a targeted expansion without altering core RFS volume mandates or other fuel types.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA will need to develop and enforce new rules, potentially increasing administrative workload and costs for monitoring compliance in the shipping sector. Congressional committees will receive oversight information via the required report.
- On Citizens and Industry: Ship operators and fuel suppliers could benefit from incentives to switch to renewable fuels, potentially lowering long-term fuel costs and creating jobs in biofuel production. Consumers might see indirect benefits through reduced air pollution from shipping emissions, which affect coastal communities and global trade routes.
- On International Relations: By promoting renewable marine fuels, the U.S. could align with global efforts to decarbonize shipping (e.g., under the International Maritime Organization). This might influence international fuel standards and trade, encouraging foreign vessels to adopt similar practices when operating in U.S. waters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Ocean-Going Vessel Operators and Shipping Companies: Primary beneficiaries, as they can now generate RIN credits to offset costs of using renewable fuels.
- Renewable Fuel Producers: Gain a new market in marine fuels, boosting demand for biofuels like biodiesel.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Responsible for implementation, regulation, and reporting.
- Environmental and Public Health Groups: Likely supportive due to emission reductions from shipping, a major source of greenhouse gases.
- Congressional Committees: House Energy and Commerce and Senate Environment and Public Works, which oversee energy and environmental policy.
- General Public and Coastal Communities: Indirectly impacted through cleaner air and potential economic shifts in port areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment fits within the Clean Air Act's existing framework for the RFS program, avoiding the need for major new authority. It requires EPA rulemaking, which could face challenges if regulations are seen as overly burdensome, but it promotes statutory goals of reducing fossil fuel dependence.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; the bill exercises Congress's commerce clause powers over interstate and international trade, including shipping.
- Political: Introduced with bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties), signaling broad support for green shipping initiatives. It could advance U.S. climate goals without mandating changes, potentially serving as a model for future environmental legislation in transportation sectors.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (2 pages)