Visit the Northeast-Midwest Institute's background fact sheet on ballast water and relevant state programs. On July 12, 2011, Rep. LaTourette introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act that would prohibit Environmental Protection Agency funding to Great Lakes states with ballast water treatment regulations stricter than the current International Maritime Organization's (IMO) standards and the Coast Guard's standards once implemented. The amendment was approved by a voice-vote. The appropriations measure, along with the amendment, are awaiting consideration by the full House. Debate on this appropriations measure began July 25.
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