Bill · S. 4935· Senate(119-S-4935)
Next Generation Shipping Act
- Introduced
- 6/24/2026
- Last activity
- 6/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Next Generation Shipping Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to create the Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program. This program supports the research, design, development, and deployment of zero-emission vessels and related infrastructure. It also focuses on retrofitting or replacing existing vessels with zero-emission technologies. The Secretary can use various finance mechanisms, such as grants and loans, to support these efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes a Next Generation Shipping Advisory Committee to provide guidance on the program.
Yes· 3 of 16
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+8
The bill specifically funds the transition to zero-emission vessels and clean alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gases.
Would union members be better off under this?+7
The bill prioritizes project labor agreements and mandates prevailing wages for workers.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill authorizes billions of dollars to support research and development in zero-emission maritime technologies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Maritime Workers: The bill prioritizes projects that support workforce training and development for zero-emission and clean alternative fuel vessels (Section 3(c)(8)). This includes creating centers of excellence for training and utilizing nonprofit institutions to deliver Coast Guard-approved curricula for merchant mariners (Section 3(c)(8)(A-B)).
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Economic Opportunities for Communities: The Secretary is instructed to prioritize projects that utilize project labor agreements or community benefits agreements (Section 3(c)(6)). This can provide specific labor or community benefits to local areas (Section 2(5)).
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Environmental Justice: The program aims to advance environmental justice by engaging communities affected by maritime transport during all project phases (Section 3(c)(7)). The Secretary is also tasked with soliciting input from environmental justice communities regarding project impacts (Section 3(e)(4)).
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Fair Wages for Laborers: The bill ensures that all laborers and mechanics employed by subgrantees for construction, installation, or repair work must be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing in the locality (Section 3(g)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Prohibition of Automation: The bill explicitly prohibits the use of funds for the study, design, implementation, or installation of automated vessels, automated vessel operating systems, or automated cargo handling systems (Section 3(i)). This prevents the use of these funds for technology that functions without human operation (Section 2(1)).
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 Union Workers+7Good For Business Owners+5Good For Students+4Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+8Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Public Transit+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+6Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4
- 7/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey