The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) passed the senate as a part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act. Under VIDA, the EPA and Coast Guard must work together to develop and implement ballast water and incidental discharge standards. The goal of this act is to have a more consistent national regulatory system for ballast water and incidental discharge. This version of VIDA is seen as an improvement on past acts. It includes regional programs for states that allow for more state involvement in standard setting and enforcement. However, the bill preempts states from adopting standards stricter than those set at the federal level. ACWA weighed in on VIDA with this letter. This act must now pass The House before heading to The President.
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