Bill · H.R. 9185· House(119-HR-9185)
Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act
- Introduced
- 6/8/2026
- Last activity
- 6/8/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Salud Carbajal
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program. The program aims to reduce air pollution, greenhouse gases, underwater noise, and fatal whale strikes along the western coast of the United States. It does this by encouraging vessel owners to voluntarily slow down their ships. Participating vessel owners who meet the requirements can receive annual Excellence Awards and use an official logo. The bill explicitly states that participation is voluntary, does not authorize financial incentives, and does not affect navigation safety. Finally, the bill requires a feasibility report within four years regarding the extension of the program to all shipping channels along the U.S. Pacific coast between Canada and Mexico.
Yes· 3 of 29
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill protects marine life by reducing the risk of fatal whale strikes and decreasing harmful underwater acoustic impacts.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+6
Encouraging vessel speed reductions significantly cuts greenhouse gases and air pollution along the Pacific coast.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+3
Urban residents living along the western coast benefit from reduced air pollution from shipping traffic.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) and Section 2(c): This provision encourages voluntary speed reductions for vessels down to 10 knots or lower, which helps reduce air pollution, greenhouse gases, and harmful underwater noise. This is positive because cleaner air benefits the health of people living along the coast.
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Section 2(c) and Section 2(d): The creation of annual Blue Whales and Blue Skies Excellence Awards and an official logo gives shipping companies public recognition for successful participation. This is a positive way to highlight responsible companies that protect marine life and the environment.
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Section 2(g): This section explicitly protects the people by stating that participation in the program is completely voluntary and that nothing in the section authorizes any action that affects navigation safety. This ensures that captains can prioritize safe navigation without mandatory interference.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Business Owners+2Good For Children+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Seniors+2Good For African Americans+1Good For Asian Americans+1Good For High Income Households+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Men+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For White Americans+1Good For Women+1Good For Young Adults+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Reduces Carbon Emissions+6Improves Public Land Management+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Improves Interstate Commerce+1Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Small Business Support+1
- 6/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California