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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB366

Rules for Heavy Petroleum Fuel on Ships in Alaska

Last scannedSep 14, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill bans ships from using heavy petroleum fuel oil in specific Alaskan waters, sets up a system for fines, and allows exceptions for emergencies or vessels that cannot switch to other fuels before January 1, 2030.

What it does

  • Creates a new law stopping people from using heavy petroleum fuel oil on ship engines within applicable Alaska coastal waters.
  • Exempts ships passing through quickly without entering rivers, bays, or ports if they are traveling continuously and expeditiously.
  • Allows exemptions during emergencies to avoid immediate danger or help people in distress.
  • Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to create a list of fines for breaking these rules.
  • Gives the department power to monitor vessels and record data on fuel use in applicable waters.

Who it affects

  • People operating vessels with main or auxiliary engines in Alaska's coastal waters defined by federal rules.
  • The Department of Environmental Conservation, which must enforce the law and write new regulations.
  • Vessels that cannot be converted to use other fuels before January 1, 2030.

Limits and unknowns

  • The exact dollar amounts for fines are not set; the department must create them later.
  • The specific date when these rules officially start is listed as blank in the provided document.
  • Ships may get a temporary exemption only if they cannot switch to other fuels before January 1, 2030.

Plain language

Terms to know

Heavy petroleum fuel oil
Any marine fuel thicker than 380 centistokes or with more than 0.1 percent sulfur by weight.
Applicable waters
The specific coastal areas of Alaska defined in federal rule 33 CFR 159.305.
Continuous and expeditious navigation
Traveling through the water without stopping, unless required by the Coast Guard, forced by emergencies, or needed to help someone in danger.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

USE OF HEAVY PETROLEUM AS MARINE FUEL An Act relating to the use of heavy petroleum fuel oil as a marine fuel; relating to the duties of the Department of Environmental Conservation; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) Minutes (HTRA)Min
  2. (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 30 min Following Session --Text
  3. (H) TRANSPORTATION at 01:00 PM BARNES 124Text
  4. (H) REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION1693
  5. (H) TRA, FIN1693
  6. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1693