Senate committee to consider wildfire, maritime fuel bills

By Amelia Davidson | 09/08/2025 06:35 AM EDT

One bipartisan measure would bolster lower-carbon fuel for ships.

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) at a hearing on July 16, 2025.

Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) at an Environment and Public Works hearing in July. He's sponsoring a renewable fuel bill. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The Senate Environment and Public Works committee will hold a legislative hearing this week on bills focused on wildfire emissions and clean fuels.

On Wednesday, the committee will consider S.881, the “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act,” which looks to bolster the use of biofuels and renewable fuels in the shipping industry. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

Specifically, the legislation would expand the Renewable Fuel Standard program to allow companies to get credits when they produce renewable fuel for ships.

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“Expanding the use of biofuels like renewable diesel strengthens American energy independence, supports Nebraska agriculture, and reduces emissions,” Ricketts said upon introducing the bill earlier this year.

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