Washington Examiner: Trump Administration Waives Jones Act to Get Fuel to Florida Ports

The US Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, is often referred to as a case study in protectionism. Generally the act “prohibits any foreign built or foreign flagged vessel from engaging in coastwise trade within the United States,” explains the Maritime Law Center, noting that the courts have given wide interpretation and the “term applies to a voyage that beginning at any point within the United States and delivering a type of commercial cargo to any other point within the United States.” The Trump administration waived the Jones Act to relieve fuel shortages in Florida as it braces for a major hurricane, but foreign-flagged ships may not want to cross paths with the storm named Irma. The US Environmental Protection Agency also extended a separate waiver on fuel emissions requirements for 38 states. About 40 percent of the gasoline stations in southern Florida ran out of fuel. Cooperation rather than protectionism is more practical during times of national disasters and crises. – YaleGlobal

Washington Examiner: Trump Administration Waives Jones Act to Get Fuel to Florida Ports

The Trump administration has waived the protectionist Jones Act, requiring US ships for US coastwise trade, to provide fuel for Florida before hurricane
Josh Siegel
Friday, September 8, 2017

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Josh Siegel is the energy and environment reporter for the Washington Examiner.

Read about the Jones Act.

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