Plain English Breakdown
The official text confirms the bill passed both chambers but does not list a specific effective date.
Limits on Sulfur in Marine Fuel for Alaska Waters
This law sets maximum limits on sulfur levels in fuel used by ships operating in Alaskan waters and lists specific situations where these rules do not apply.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a new chapter of state laws called 'Marine Fuel' under AS Chapter 30.
- Requires vessels to use marine fuel with no more than 0.1 percent sulfur by weight inside emission control areas.
- Allows vessels operating outside emission control areas to use marine fuel with up to 0.5 percent sulfur by weight.
- Exempts ships passing through Alaskan waters without stopping at two or more ports, roadsteads, or terminals from the rules.
- Permits exemptions for emergencies such as distress, force majeure, or when helping people in danger.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who operate vessels using marine fuel within applicable Alaskan waters.
- The Department of Environmental Conservation, which may grant specific exemptions based on total sulfur output.
- Vessels owned or operated by the United States government or foreign governments.
Terms To Know
- Marine fuel
- Distillate or residual fuel used for propulsion or operation on a vessel, excluding natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, electricity, and fuel cells.
- Emission control area
- The North American Emission Control Area established under an international convention to prevent pollution from ships.
- Applicable waters
- Waters defined by federal regulations as the applicable waters of Alaska.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill text does not state a specific effective date for when these rules begin.
- Exemptions depend on definitions found in other laws, such as AS 30.30.170 and federal regulations.