[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS REMOVAL ACT OF 2024

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2024

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Abandoned and 
Derelict Vessels Removal Act of 2024,'' which builds upon legislation 
by the same title sponsored by the late Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA) 
in 1997.
  As detailed in a blue-ribbon report published by the State of 
California and other Pacific State's Oil Spill Task Force in 2020, the 
problem of abandoned and derelict vessels is a pervasive problem. 
Vessel owners abandon personal and commercial boats due to damage from 
severe storms, high maintenance and disposal costs, and many other 
factors. Abandoned and derelict vessels are a safety hazard, blight to 
our waterways, and eyesore. As these vessels decay, they pollute our 
waterways with debris, fiberglass from hulls, leftover gasoline, motor 
oil, battery fluids, and other harmful chemicals. This endangers people 
enjoying the water and harms the environment.
  My new bill legislates the 2020 blue-ribbon report's recommendations, 
improving the intergovernmental response to abandoned and derelict 
vessels. Specifically, my bill would unlock up to $1.5 billion annually 
from the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove abandoned 
vessels at no expense to taxpayers. Under current law, federal 
responders can only tap the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the 
costs of stopping fuel leaks from vessels. My bill would also hold 
those dumping their derelict vessels in our waterways accountable. 
Every vessel removed is one step closer to keeping our working 
waterfronts and waterways safe and clean for all to enjoy.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working across the aisle to advance 
the proposed reforms in my bill. As a senior member of the House 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to legislate key 
provisions from my bill in the coming ``Coast Guard Authorization Act 
of 2024'' and the ``Water Resources Development Act of 2024.'' I 
encourage all Members of the House to join me in cosponsoring this 
commonsense bill.

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