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Senate considering Great Lakes icebreaking mandate to help winter shipping
Legislation that would bring more Great Lakes ice-breaking activities to promote shipping is ready for a vote by the full Senate.
The Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act would require the U.S. Coast Guard to keep navigation channels open at least 70% of the hours that commercial vessels and ferries attempt to sail. The legislation would also require the Coast Guard to file a report to Congress about icebreaking activities on the Great Lakes by U.S. and Canadian ice breakers before July 1st every year.
The bill is endorsed by more than 120 businesses and commerce groups including ADM, Cargill, and the Western Grain Elevator Association.
A study commissioned by the Lake Carriers’ Association found that during the 2018-2019 ice season, businesses that depend upon the Great Lakes maritime industry lost over $1 billion in revenues because of delays caused by inadequate icebreaking.
The Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act is supported by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Todd Young (R-IN), and Gary Peters (D-MI). Companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). The Senate bill only covers shipping lanes when the Great Lakes are open to shipping, which averages nine out of ten years. It does not include icebreaking at piers and docks.
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