A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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
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
- Scored +8
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill specifically funds the transition to zero-emission vessels and clean alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gases.
- Scored +7
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes project labor agreements and mandates prevailing wages for workers.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes project labor agreements and mandates prevailing wages for workers. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides financial mechanisms like grants and loans for maritime industry entities. Would students be better off under this? — The bill supports workforce training through nonprofit institutions and centers of excellence. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill's environmental justice provisions aim to benefit marginalized communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes environmental justice and community benefits for affected areas. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill's environmental justice provisions aim to benefit marginalized communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill targets environmental justice in communities affected by maritime transport.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill specifically funds the transition to zero-emission vessels and clean alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gases. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill promotes technologies that reduce underwater noise emissions and biofouling. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill funds the development of charging and fueling infrastructure for maritime transport.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill prioritizes projects that utilize project labor agreements and requires prevailing wages for construction work. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds research, development, and workforce training for the zero-emission shipping industry. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides grants and low-interest loans to eligible entities including manufacturers and vessel owners.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes billions of dollars to support research and development in zero-emission maritime technologies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to make all funding applications publicly available on a website.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill mandates engagement with and input from environmental justice communities.
- 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