H.R. 6556 would clarify the circumstances during which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require permits for discharges from certain vessels, and to require the Administrator to conduct a study of discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
(LogProhibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or a state with an approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, from requiring an NPDES permit for a covered vessel for the next two years for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel. Defines &quot;covered vessel&quot; to mean a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel.

Requires the Administrator to editevaluate the wikiimpacts of such discharges, excluding discharges: (1) from a vessel of the Armed Forces; (2) of sewage from a vessel, other than the discharge of graywater from a vessel operating on the Great Lakes; and be(3) of ballast water.

Provides that such prohibition does not apply with respect to: (1) rubbish, trash, garbage, or other such materials discharged overboard; (2) other discharges when the firstvessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation; (3) ballast water discharges; or (4) any discharge that contributes to provide a detailed summaryviolation of a water quality standard or poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the bill!)environment.


</summary>

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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
Latest Major Action: 7/21/2008:7/22/2008: Referred to House committee.subcommittee. Status: Referred to the House CommitteeSubcommittee on TransportationWater Resources and Infrastructure.Environment.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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