May 1, 2025
Mr. Torres of New York (for himself, Mr. Case, and Mr. Moylan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To amend title 46, United States Code, to allow for the transportation of energy products on vessels between points in the United States to which the coastwise laws apply if at least one such point is in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Energy products exemption
Section 55102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) to read as follows:
(a) Definitions
In this subsection:
(1) Covered noncontiguous trade
The term covered noncontiguous trade means—
(A)
trade between—
(i)
one of the contiguous 48 States; and
(ii)
Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(B)
trade between—
(i)
a place in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(ii)
another place in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(2) Energy products
The term energy products means any equipment, component of equipment, or energy source for the generation, storage, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
(3) Energy source
The term energy source means—
(A)
liquefied natural gas or any other energy source needed for the generation of electricity; and
(B)
a petroleum product.
(4) Equipment
The term equipment means power generators, storage units, wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric plants, and any other components needed for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity.
(5) Merchandise
The term merchandise includes—
(A)
merchandise owned by the United States Government, a State, or a subdivision of a State; and
(B)
valueless material.
(6) Petroleum product
The term petroleum product has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6202).;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
(c) Energy products exemption
Subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to transportation of energy products in covered noncontiguous trade on a vessel.