The Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board writes on the flaws of the Jones Act.
- A ship off the coast of Puerto Rico reportedly has 300,000 of diesel fuel from Texas for hurricane relief, but cannot unload it because of the Jones Act.
- More than a century year old, the Jones Act requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be made by an American-made vessel that is manned by a majority American crew.
- The Jones Act inflates shipping costs and makes it extremely difficult for places like Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or even Boston to receive essential goods like energy.
- Congress should repeal the Jones Act to allow for free trade and transport in the United States.
“The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is protectionism at its worst. The law says waterborne cargo between U.S. points must be carried by ships that are primarily built, owned and crewed by Americans. This raises shipping prices, while shifting cargo to trucks, which are less efficient and worse for the environment. The law also explains why wintry Boston imports Russian liquefied natural gas.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
