Massachusetts Legislature Considers Bill to Regulate Tank Barges

Massachusetts House Bill 59 (HB 59) was reported out of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture and referred to the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee. HB 59 is similar to bills introduced, but never enacted, in the 1997 and 1998 state legislative sessions. The bill requires all tank barges transporting bulk petroleum products be equipped with an operable anchor system and be manned, unless the state Department of Environmental Protection determines alternative technical or operational measures provide an equivalent degree of protection. If the bill is released by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, it can go to the floor for a third reading or for a vote. A third reading will enable individuals opposed to the bill to provide testimony to the committee. To date, there have been no requests for the release of HB 59.