Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

Last action on Sep 10, 2025Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.

Summary

S. 881 would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to allow U.S. fuel producers and shipping companies to generate and preserve renewable fuel credits when biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel are used in ocean-going vessels. Currently, these credits must be retired and cannot be kept or sold, which limits the market incentive for producing renewable marine fuels. The bill would designate marine biofuels as "additional renewable fuel" under the RFS, similar to how jet fuel and heating oil are already treated.

Proponents argue the bill would create new market opportunities for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers by expanding demand for renewable diesel and biodiesel in the shipping industry. Supporters contend that biofuels can reduce particulate matter and emissions from cargo ships that transport over 80 percent of international goods. However, critics raised concerns during Senate committee hearings that the bill may have limited climate impact, noting that a similar provision for jet fuel in 2014 did not significantly increase sustainable aviation fuel production. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.

Lifecycle of the Bill

Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.

Sep 10, 2025

HearingSenateMeeting

Sep 10, 2025 · 14:00

Hearings to examine a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, and S.881, to amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel for which credits may be generated under the renewable fuel program.

Committee

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

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Summary

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on September 10, 2025, to examine two pieces of legislation addressing environmental concerns. The first was a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA), which would amend the Clean Air Act's exceptional events process to make it easier for states to manage forests and reduce wildfire risk through prescribed burns. The second was S.881, the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to allow biofuels used in ocean-going vessels to generate credits under the renewable fuel program. Four witnesses testified before the committee, representing diverse perspectives. Johnny Sabo, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission testifying on behalf of the National Association of State Foresters, supported prescribed burns as essential for forest management. Kathy Metcalf, President Emeritus of the Chamber of Shipping of America, testified in support of S.881, noting the shipping industry's interest in alternative fuels. Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law and Policy at the Property and Environment Research Center, testified in favor of the wildfire prevention measure. Abirami Vijayan, Senior Climate Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the biofuel legislation, noting that similar provisions for jet fuel in the renewable fuel program had not materially increased sustainable fuel adoption. Key arguments centered on the need to address wildfire emissions and air quality while supporting alternative fuel development. Supporters of WEPA emphasized that prescribed burns are critical for reducing catastrophic wildfires and protecting public health, while proponents of S.881 highlighted potential benefits for agricultural producers and the maritime industry. Critics questioned whether the biofuel provision would meaningfully reduce emissions given historical precedent with aviation fuels. The hearing provided a forum for examining these proposals, though the committee's examination does not guarantee either bill will advance to a vote.

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Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

Hearings to examine a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, and S.881, to amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel for which credits may be generated under the renewable fuel program.

Committee

Summary

Video

Hearings to examine a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, and S.881, to amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel for which credits may be generated under the renewable fuel program.

Committee

Summary

Video

Cosponsors (3)

Related Legislation (1)

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

CBO Cost Estimate

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Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

Hearings to examine a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, and S.881, to amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel for which credits may be generated under the renewable fuel program.

Committee

Summary

Video

Lifecycle of the Bill

Hearings to examine a discussion draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act, and S.881, to amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel for which credits may be generated under the renewable fuel program.

Committee

Summary

Video

Bill Information

Sponsors & Co-sponsors (4)

Cosponsors (3)

Policy Area

Legislative Subjects (5)

Related Legislation (1)

Related Legislation (1)

Committees (1)

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

CBO Cost Estimate

CBO Cost Estimate