Jones Act Repeal Could Help Alleviate US Crude Glut

摘要

The debate about the Jones Act continues to rage, with supporters of the law saying it protects American shipping jobs, but opponents arguing that it should be repealed to alleviate logistical constraints that have emerged as US crude oil production has soared. Meanwhile, US shipbuilders have been quietly working to boost the number of Jones Act vessels that can move crude and products freely around the country (OD Sep.27'13). Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires any vessel carrying goods between US ports to be built and registered in the US and owned and operated by US citizens.