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HR 6434 110th Congress House

Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008

Official title: To establish national standards for discharges from cruise vessels into the waters of the United States, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 8, 2008 See on congress.gov
Environmental Protection Administrative feesAdministrative procedureAir pollution controlAlaska
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Bacterial diseasesBusiness recordsChlorineCoast guardCommerceCommercializationEconomics and Public FinanceEnergyEnvironmental Protection AgencyEnvironmental healthEnvironmental law enforcementEnvironmental monitoringEnvironmental technologyFines (Penalties)Fuel consumption
This bill died when the 110th Congress ended
It never became law before the 110th Congress (2007–2008) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 9, 2008
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Jul 9, 2008
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Jul 9, 2008
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1414-1415)
Jul 8, 2008
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Jul 8, 2008
Introduced in House
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 Latest action July 9, 2008

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008 - Prohibits cruise vessels calling on U.S. ports from discharging sewage, graywater, or bilge water into U.S. waters unless: (1) the treated effluent meets specified effluent limits and management standards; (2) the vessel is proceeding at not less than six knots; (3) the vessel is not less than 12 nautical miles from shore; and (4) the vessel is not in a no discharge zone. Prohibits the discharge of sewage sludge, incinerator ash, or hazardous waste into U.S. waters and requires it to be off-loaded at appropriate land-based facilities. Prescribes exceptions for: (1) discharges solely to secure the safety of a vessel or to save a life at sea; and (2) Alaskan vessels until 10 years after enactment.

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate such effluent limits that: (1) are consistent with the capability of the best available technology to treat effluent; (2) require compliance with state and federal water quality standards; (3) take into account the best available scientific information on environmental effects; and (4) require treated discharges to meet specified standards for minimum effluent quality, fecal coliform, and residual chlorine.

Requires the EPA Administrator to implement a sampling and testing program, and requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to implement an inspection program, sufficient to verify that such vessels are in compliance with this Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and other applicable federal laws and international agreements.

Requires the Commandant to establish a program for the placement of trained independent observers on vessels to monitor and inspect vessel operations, equipment, and discharges.

Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out a pilot program to develop and promote commercialization of technologies to provide federal agencies data regarding discharges from vessels and functioning of vessel components relating to fuel consumption and air and water pollution control.

Calls for enactment of standards for: (1) ballast water; and (2) air quality regarding incineration and engine activities of vessels.

Establishes the Cruise Vessel Pollution Control Fund. Requires the Commandant to collect fees from vessels for paying passengers to be deposited in such Fund for use in carrying out this Act.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 6434: Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008. 110th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6434/
MLA
"H.R. 6434: Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008." 110th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6434/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 6434, 110th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6434/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 6434: Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008](https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-6434/)
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