The Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced the appointment of Alan Thornhill as Science Advisor to MMS Director Liz Birnbaum. In this capacity, Thornhill will assist Director Birnbaum in the review of scientific…
OMSA released the following statement in reaction to the administration plan to unveil new offshore oil and gas areas:As the association representing the owners and operators of the offshore supply vessels that support offshore exploration…
Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced that as part of Canada’s Northern Strategy, the federal government is proposing a regulated Arctic traffic zone, requiring certain vessels to report information to authorities as they pass through Canada’s northern waters…
The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on the FY 2011 Budget for the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration, and the Federal Maritime Commission…
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that it will meet in open session in its offices on February 10 to consider, among other things, a petition from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America for exemption from mandatory rate tariff publication…
With a budget designed to increase America’s energy security by expanding the nation’s energy portfolio and ensuring a fair return for these public resources, the President has proposed $364.8m in funding for the Minerals Management Service (MMS) in fiscal year 2011…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is strengthening the regulations that govern the shipping of hazardous waste for recycling between the United States and other countries. The new measures are meant to increase the level of regulatory oversight…
Senator Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Arctic Deep Water Sea Port Act of 2009 (S. 2849) to require a study and report on the feasibility and potential of establishing a deep water sea port in the Arctic to protect and advance strategic United…
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the release of fiscal year 2010 grant application guidance kits for 13 DHS grant programs totaling more than $2.7b—funds for state, local, tribal and territorial governments…
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate David T. Matsuda, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. David T. Matsuda has been serving as Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration since July 2009…
Senator Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Eshoo (D-CA) introduced companion bills (S. 1820 and H.R. 3888 respectively) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish national standards for discharges from cruise vessels. (10/21/09)…
Obama Administration officials will hold their sixth regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 29, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley…
On October 14th, Speaker of the United States House of Representative, Nancy Pelosi swore in Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. as the Federal Maritime Commission's 18th Chairman. President Barack Obama had designated then-Commissioner Lidinsky as Chairman on September 11th…
The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to hold public meetings in Oakland, Calif., Oct. 27 and New York City Oct. 29 to hear comments about a proposed rulemaking for ballast water discharge standards.These meetings are the last two of six public…
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings assisted in the U.S. House of Representatives passing of H.R. 3619, the “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.” Congressman Cummings was “floor manager” for the bill. Cummings, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation…