Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) is introducing bipartisan legislation removing an excise tax on alternative fuels for marine vessels.
The Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act (MFTPA) is a response to a longstanding excise tax levied on seafaring vessels using liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of diesel, which is currently exempt from excise taxes.
After all, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of ships fueled by LNG is on the rise, and 1,200 are expected to be on the water by 2028.
Joining Rep. Bean in the bill is Representative John Rutherford (R-FL), whom he thanked in his press release, saying, "Expanding the use of alternative fuels like LNG will strengthen Jacksonville's maritime industry and allow maritime vessels to use LNG as a fuel source without being penalized by an onerous tax and compliance burden. I thank Congressman Rutherford for his leadership on this bill, which will modernize our tax code and bring marine fuels into the 21st century."
"We should be encouraging, not penalizing, our maritime industry as they find alternative and innovative ways to power American vessels," Rep. Rutherford said. "Jacksonville's maritime industry leaders made Northeast Florida home to the world's very first liquified natural gas-powered containership. As the Trump Administration unleashes American energy and innovation, I am proud to join a bipartisan coalition to introduce this bill that would afford the U.S. maritime industry the freedom and parity to explore new energy opportunities to fuel American shipping and trade."
Finally, Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), the bill's third Florida cosponsor, said, "Florida's ports play a vital role in fueling our economy, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and helping move goods across the globe."
"I'm proud to support this bill to protect our maritime and aviation industries from unnecessary tax burdens and strengthen trade between U.S. ports. With SeaPort Manatee in my district generating billions in annual economic impact for our region, this commonsense measure will keep Florida's Gulf Coast competitive," Rep. Buchanan added.
