River Bend Times

Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and John Garamendi have introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act in Washington, D.C. This legislation aims to allow companies to preserve RIN credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for renewable fuel used by ocean-going vessels. Senator Pete Ricketts is leading this bill in the Senate.

“Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels,” said Miller-Meeks. She expressed gratitude to her colleagues for supporting this legislation, highlighting its potential benefits for communities like Iowa's farmers.

Senator Ricketts emphasized that “expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions.” He described the bipartisan bill as a means to create new market opportunities for Nebraska farmers.

John Garamendi added that “reducing emissions from cargo vessels and cruise ships means cleaner air and healthier communities.” He expressed enthusiasm about introducing this bipartisan bill with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Gimenez, and Budzinski to aid the maritime industry's shift towards cleaner fuels.

Brent Swart from the Iowa Soybean Association sees expanding biodiesel use in marine sectors as beneficial. “This initiative presents an exciting opportunity to align growing biofuel demand with the vital contributions of Iowa’s farmers,” he said.

Grant Kimberley of the Iowa Biodiesel Board remarked on how such legislative changes could remove regulatory barriers hindering U.S. biodiesel producers. Monte Shaw from IRFA noted that this legislation would help expand biomass-based diesel use in oceangoing vessels while enhancing energy security.

Jennifer Garson from the Sustainable Maritime Coalition highlighted that "biofuels are an important pathway for future fuels for the maritime industry." She stated that matching supply with demand requires legislative support like this act.

Puget LNG praised Representatives Miller-Meeks and Garamendi's efforts, suggesting that this legislation would enable domestic shipping industries to maintain crucial trade routes while meeting clean air targets set by international bodies.

The original cosponsors include Representatives Mike Flood, Nikki Budzinski, Carlos A. Giménez, Eric Sorensen, Michelle Fischbach, and Sharice Davids.