Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill protects marine life by reducing the risk of fatal whale strikes and decreasing harmful underwater acoustic impacts.
- Scored +6
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Encouraging vessel speed reductions significantly cuts greenhouse gases and air pollution along the Pacific coast.
- Scored +3
Would people in cities be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban residents living along the western coast benefit from reduced air pollution from shipping traffic. Would business owners be better off under this? — Participating shipping companies receive positive brand recognition through Excellence Awards and official logos. Would children be better off under this? — Cleaner coastal air resulting from vessel speed reductions provides health benefits particularly advantageous to children. Would retired people be better off under this? Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Improved air quality along coastal residential areas benefits older adults with sensitive respiratory systems. Would Black Americans be better off under this? Would Asian Americans be better off under this? Would high-income households be better off under this? Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? Would households on low incomes be better off under this? Would men be better off under this? Would people in middle age be better off under this? Would middle-income households be better off under this? Would Native Americans be better off under this? Would people with disabilities be better off under this? Would people in rural areas be better off under this? Would white Americans be better off under this? Would women be better off under this? Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — 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? — Encouraging vessel speed reductions significantly cuts greenhouse gases and air pollution along the Pacific coast. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill incorporates coordination with National Marine Sanctuaries to protect coastal marine ecosystems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires comprehensive feasibility reports and public recognition mechanisms for participating companies. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — The program standardizes a voluntary speed reduction framework across western coastal shipping channels. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill builds upon and respects existing regional air pollution control district frameworks established in California. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation directs NOAA to establish a federal program modeled after existing regional initiatives.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The program is designed to operate without authorizing appropriations for financial incentives, maintaining fiscal restraint. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill establishes a voluntary vessel speed reduction program without authorizing new financial incentives or government spending. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Shipping companies, including smaller operations with eligible vessels, can gain positive recognition through awards and logos.
- 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