The cruise industry is a significant and growing contributor to the U.S. economy, providing more than $32 billion in benefits annually and generating more than 330,000 U.S. jobs, but also making the environmental impacts of its activities an issue to many. Although cruise ships represent a small fraction of the entire shipping industry worldwide, public attention to their environmental impacts comes in part from the fact that cruise ships are highly visible and in part because of the industrys desire to promote a positive image. This report describes the several types of waste streams that cruise ships may discharge and emit. It identifies the complex body of international and domestic laws that address pollution from cruise ships. It then describes federal and state legislative activity concerning cruise ships in Alaskan waters and recent activities in a few other states, as well as current industry initiatives to manage cruise ship pollution. Issues for Congress are discussed.


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    Title :

    Cruise Ship Pollution: Background, Laws and Regulations, and Key Issues. CRS Report for Congress


    Contributors:
    C. Copeland (author)

    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    27 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English