The American Waterways Operators recently issued the following statement in support of H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), which reforms the infrastructure permitting process by streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act:
ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 13, 2025 -- The American Waterways Operators – the trade association of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry – and the National Safe Boating Council have partnered to create a video educating recreational boaters on how to safely interact with commercial vessels on the water.
This op-ed by AWO President & CEO, Jennifer Carpenter, published in Maritime Reported & Engineering News, discusses the need to take renewed focus on maritime in Washington, DC, and translate that into actions that will strengthen the industry in the long-term. It also highlights how AWO priorities are helping to advance the industry beyond this "moment."
This op-ed published in The Maritime Executive by AWO President & CEO, Jennifer Carpenter, and President of the Seafarer's International Union, David Heindel, explains why cabotage is an important part of protecting jobs, security, and innovation.
