Congress Chides Coast Guard on Maritime Industry Regulation

On May 24, 2011, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on Coast Guard regulation of the maritime industry focusing both on the process and the results. In his opening statement, Rep. Howard Coble, acting as chairman of the hearing, stated that he was "very concerned about the cost and impact of several forthcoming Coast Guard rulemakings," especially on fishing vessel inspections, Automated Identification System requirements for small vessels and ballast water treatment mandates. The staff memorandum for the hearing details pending Coast Guard rulemakings. Rear Admiral Kevin Cook, representing the Coast Guard, pointed out to the Committee that the Coast Guard has made considerable progress in recent years reducing the regulatory backlog and that it is committed to continue to focus on regulatory impacts.