Oil spill: Rep. Michelle Steel calls for ban on ships anchoring off Orange County – Daily News
Under pressure to react to the recent oil spill off her House district’s shore line, Rep. Michelle Steel on Tuesday proposed a temporary ban on ships idling along the coast, citing initial reports that an anchor may have dislodged the failed pipeline.
“This crisis could have been prevented and it’s important that we protect our waters and coastline,” said Steel, R-Seal Beach, whose 48th District includes much of coastal Orange County.
Maritime experts say Steel’s proposal could lead to increased costs and delays for shipping companies, more air pollution and a greater risk of offshore accidents.
Steel’s Stopping Hazardous Incidents in the Pacific Act of 2021, or SHIP Act, would ban cargo idling or anchoring within 24 nautical miles from the Orange County coast. The ban would take effect immediately and last “up to 180 days,” or until President Joe Biden declares an end to a port backlog that’s stemmed from the coronavirus pandemic and caused a spike in ships waiting offshore.
When asked where ships would anchor, Steel’s spokeswoman Danielle Stewart said via email, “Anywhere that is not coastal Orange County.”
What. An. Idiot.
This woman doesn’t care that you can’t get your Diet Dr. Pepper. She just cares that there are unsightly ships off her coast.
With friends like that, who needs enemies?
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