The Environmental Leader carried a recent piece detailing intense lobbying efforts of the Alaska cruise lines. What’s all the fuss? Apparently the major cruise lines are turning the screws on Alaskan lawmakers in hopes of setting aside strict water pollution regulations due to go into effect later this year.
The law, originally passed in 2006, places a number of requirements on the cruise lines. It is designed to curtail the impact they have on the pristine, natural environment of Alaska. New taxes and fees were introduced as well to help fund environmental monitoring of the industry’s practices.
Admittedly, too much regulation can have a chilling effect on any industry, but it seems the law that was passed is designed to protect the Alaskan cruise industry from itself. Wouldn’t you think the cruise lines would be vigorously supporting this initiative, if only to prevent their competitors from tarnishing the natural beauty that attracts their own guests?
On a brighter note, Royal Caribbean seems to be taking the most active role in complying with the regulations. Recent press reports indicate they have installed advanced water purification systems on board and smokeless gas-turbine engines that burn bio-fuel when available.
Source: Environmental Leader