Alaska Delegation Secures Temporary Extension for Vessel Incidental Discharge for Alaska Fishermen and Small Boat Operators

Press Release

Today, Congress sent President Trump legislation (S. 2273) to extend an exemption for Alaska fishing vessels, and commercials vessels less than 79 feet in length, from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) incidental discharge regulations, which expired on December 18, 2017. The temporarily extension -- effective until January 19, 2018 -- will provide fishing and small commercial vessels relief as Congress pursues a permanent exemption to a patchwork of burdensome federal and state regulations for vessel ballast water and incidental discharges.

"For months, we've been working to permanently fix this misguided and overly burdensome rule by the EPA regarding incidental discharges and ballast water," said bill sponsor Senator Dan Sullivan. "Although we've seen significant progress -- securing a permanent exemption for small vessels and fishermen known as the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act in the Coast Guard Authorization Act -- the current exemption has expired. Without this stopgap measure, small vessel operators and fishermen will be forced to obtain EPA permits for even the most basic activity, including vessel deck runoff, hosing out their fish holds, and other minor discharges. This short term extension was extremely important to pass so we did not leave our small vessel operators and our fishermen exposed to non-compliance or penalty as Congress moves forward with a permanent solution early in 2018."

"This is a much needed extension for the exemption of commercial fishing vessels and other small boats from meeting the mandates of the EPA's incidental discharge permits, which gives us time to permanently fix the problem," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "I have long fought against this nonsensical EPA rule being imposed on our fishing fleet, which according to the EPA itself, does not help regulate pollution discharges properly. It was written so broadly that it penalizes Alaska's fisherman for simply washing fish guts off their decks. This is an unacceptable standard to force on our state's fishing fleet. It's imperative that we permanently exempt our fishermen from the regulatory and monetary burden it imposes. Alaska and our small vessel owners deserve better. I look forward to working with Senator Sullivan and others to finalize a permanent solution."

"Passing this extension is crucial for the fishermen and small boat operators in Alaska," said Congressman Don Young. "While this is a short-term fix to a long-term problem, the Alaska delegation has been working to develop a permanent solution to this frivolous and burdensome rule issued by the EPA. Without this bill, fishermen and small vessel operators would be forced to get permits for simple things like hosing out their fish holds which is unacceptable and a prime example of overregulation. The fishing industry is vital to Alaska, and the EPA doesn't need to make it harder for them to do their jobs by paying for unnecessary permits. I am glad to see this extension pass through Congress so we can protect the industry and what it means for our local economies. When we return next year, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the House and with our Senators to address this issue permanently and quickly. "

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously approved S. 2273, legislation introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan and co-sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski, to extend the period which fishing vessels and vessels that are shorter in length than 79 feet are exempt from the EPA's requirements for discharges incidental to the normal operation of the vessel. Alaska Congressman Young ushered the legislation to quick and final passage in the House earlier today.

Senator Dan Sullivan, Chairman of the Senate Coast Guard Subcommittee, has consistently worked to pass the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, which was most recently included in S. 1129, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017. The legislation would provide all fishing vessels and small commercial vessels with a permanent exception to incidental vessel discharges and create a consistent, uniform regulatory structure that would restore efficient and cost effective commerce while ensuring environmental protection of our nation's ports and waterways.

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