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HR 9454

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to support the research, design, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels and retrofit or replacement of existing vessels with zero-emission vessel technologies and charging infrastructure or fueling infrastructure, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Nanette Barragán and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes a federal program under the Department of Transportation to accelerate research, development, demonstration, deployment, and infrastructure for zero-emission vessels.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9454

Overview

HR 9454 is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress that directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program focused on zero-emission vessels (ZEVs). The program would cover research, design, development, demonstration, and deployment of ZEV technologies, including retrofit or replacement of existing vessels with ZEV capabilities and the associated charging or fueling infrastructure. The bill aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission maritime technology and related infrastructure.

Purpose and Intent

  • Promote the transition of the United States maritime fleet to zero-emission technologies.
  • Support research and innovation in ZEV propulsion, energy storage, and related systems.
  • Facilitate practical deployment of ZEV vessels and necessary infrastructure to enable broader use.
  • Encourage retrofit or replacement of existing non‑emission-free vessels to minimize environmental and health impacts from maritime operations.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of a federal program within the Department of Transportation dedicated to ZEVs for vessel use.
  • Scope includes:
    • Research and development activities for ZEV vessel technologies.
    • Design and engineering work for zero-emission vessels.
    • Demonstration projects to validate technology performance in real-world settings.
    • Deployment efforts to scale up ZEV vessel use across the maritime sector.
    • Retrofit or replacement of existing vessels to integrate ZEV technologies.
    • Development and deployment of charging infrastructure (for electric ZEVs) or fueling infrastructure (potentially for alternatives like hydrogen or other zero-emission fuels) to support ZEV operations.
  • Emphasis on infrastructure readiness to support widespread adoption of ZEV vessels.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Federal government: Secretary of Transportation would administer the program.
  • Maritime industry: ship owners, operators, and logistics providers could participate in research, demonstrations, retrofits, and deployments.
  • Vessel manufacturers and technology developers: opportunities for funding, partnerships, and commercialization of ZEV technologies.
  • Infrastructure providers: entities involved in building and maintaining shore power, charging stations, or zero-emission fueling facilities.
  • Potential environmental and public health benefits due to reduced emissions from maritime operations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in June 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with jurisdictional consideration to be determined by the Speaker.
  • Specific funding levels, implementation timelines, performance metrics, and reporting requirements are not detailed in the provided text. These aspects would typically be developed during committee markups and any subsequent floor action.
  • The bill’s passage would likely depend on authorization language, appropriation decisions, and coordination with related programs and regulatory authorities.

Potential Impact

  • Accelerates development and deployment of zero-emission maritime technologies.
  • Creates a coordinated federal program to align research, demonstration, and deployment efforts across industry and government.
  • Encourages retrofit and replacement of existing vessels, potentially impacting fleets, shipyards, and related supply chains.
  • Supports infrastructure growth for ZEV fueling and charging, which is essential for practical adoption.
  • Could contribute to reductions in maritime emissions and associated environmental and public health benefits over time.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar existing programs (e.g., other ZEV initiatives) or map potential stakeholders and funding pathways once more details are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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