Larsen Applauds Rule Change That Will Create Jobs, Aid Economic Recovery in Shipping Industry

Washington, DC, March 2, 2011
Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, praised an announcement from the Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration that they are collaborating to apply cargo preference requirements to the DOE’s renewable energy loan guarantee program.  Cargo preference requirements allow for U.S. flag ocean carriers, hiring U.S. crews, to bid on at least 50 percent of cargoes shipped as part of a federally-financed project.  
“This announcement is great news for the U.S. shipping industry.  It is estimated that this change could mean $250-500 million in additional business for U.S. cargo preference shippers.  This means more good paying jobs in the maritime industry and a boost to the economic competitiveness of U.S. shippers and mariners,” said Rep. Larsen.
###