Sea Technology

DEC 2012

The industry's recognized authority for design, engineering and application of equipment and services in the global ocean community

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capitalreport Post-US Election Outlook for Oceans, Energy to be Hot Topic in Next Few Years President Obama was re-elected in November for a second term, in a race that largely resulted in a leadership status quo for the White House and Congress. Looming post-election is the "fscal cliff," which refers to a set of federal budget laws that, if kept in place, would likely result in increased taxes and massive cuts to government spending. Whatever happens with the fscal cliff will determine funding appropriation to science and ocean-related agencies, which will likely be tight. "I don't think the calculus has changed at all, so we have the same hurdles in terms of getting through a flibuster in the Senate or a conservative-led House," said Kevin Wheeler, vice president of the Consortium of Ocean Leadership. "The question is if they're able to fnd a different path to negotiating." Energy is likely to be a hot topic in the next few years. Ocean sciences could fnd new funding from an energy production bill that would involve revenue sharing and redirecting tax proceeds from offshore leases into science or restoration efforts, Wheeler said. Sens. Ron Wyden (DOre.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) have voiced support for such a bill, which faces opposition from Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.). Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) on the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, who has championed more off- shore access and energy production, has two years left as chairman. There has been some speculation that he would leave early if asked by Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) to chair the House Rules Committee, although Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) is also a strong candidate. The House Energy and Commerce Committee saw a handful of members suffer election losses, but Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and ranking member Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) remain in place, according to the National Ocean Industries Association. US Coast Guard Releases Guidance on New Ballast Water Management Regulations The U.S. Coast Guard posted in November guidance to help explain the new ballast water management regulations, including guidance on verifcation of fouling maintenance and sediment removal procedures. The fouling maintenance procedures should contain details of the anti-fouling systems and operational practices or treatments used, where and when installed, areas of the vessel coated, and maintenance and operation; hull locations susceptible to fouling and a schedule of planned inspections, repairs, maintenance and renewal of anti-fouling systems; details of the recommended operating conditions suitable for the chosen antifouling systems and operational practices; details relevant for crew safety; and documentation of actions taken to implement the fouling maintenance procedures. Sediment removal procedures should provide information on practical steps to be taken during ballast uptake to avoid sediment accumulation; procedures for using tank fushing www.sea-technology.com DECEMBER 2012 / st 61

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