Page 14: of Marine News Magazine (March 2025)

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Insights

Jennifer Carpenter, AWO

Watch the full interview with Jennifer

Carpenter on Maritime Reporter TV, scan the QR code:

Image courtesy AWO with the regulations. According to Carpenter, the EPA’s Relief from Washington?

attempt to strike a middle ground has done little to al- While California hashes out its regulatory web, Carpen- leviate industry concerns. The process of petitioning for ter and AWO have there attention, too, ? rmly on the new extensions is burdensome and costly, requiring operators Trump administration, which in and of itself presents both to hire engineering ? rms to prove that compliance is im- opportunities and uncertainties. The AWO sees three pri- possible. Worse yet, California regulators have a history of mary policy objectives as essential to stabilizing the indus- disregarding engineering evidence in past disputes, leaving try: preserving the Jones Act, maintaining critical port and vessel owners in a precarious position. waterway infrastructure, and ensuring pragmatic, effective

The fallout is already being felt. A survey conducted by regulations that safeguard people, communities, and the the Paci? c Merchant Shipping Association found that 85% environment without sti? ing innovation.

of its members reported shortages in tug availability. This Carpenter and AWO are naturally a Jones Act defender, shortage has led to delayed vessel departures, increased op- saying the Jones Act is a cornerstone of U.S. maritime pol- erational costs, reduced ef? ciency, among other problems. icy, crucial for both national security and economic stabil-

Uncertainty could result, too, in vessel owners being hesi- ity. Ensuring robust infrastructure for ports and waterways tant to invest in California operations, with some consid- is equally vital, particularly as the industry contends with ering shifting their maritime assets elsewhere. extreme weather events and shifting commerce patterns.

This could prove problematic for not only California, Above all, the industry is advocating for regulations that but the U.S. economy as a whole as tug operators serve strike a balance between environmental responsibility and as the backbone of maritime commerce, facilitating the economic viability.

transport of goods in and out of ports. If key players are Carpenter and the AWO remain committed to advocat- forced out of the market by regulation, the entire supply ing for the practical solutions that balance environmental chain will suffer. goals with operational realities. 14 | MN March 2025