Virginia’s waters and coastal communities are being damaged by large commercial ships that dump toxic wastewater and burn the dirtiest fuels. These foreign shipping companies profit while Virginians absorb the economic and health costs.

Virginia’s $1.2 billion seafood industry —a national leader supporting over 10,000 jobs—is at risk. Toxic, acidic wastewater harms marine life and allows contaminants to accumulate in the fish we eat. Meanwhile, ship exhaust exposes port communities to dangerous fine airborne particulates linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and risks to unborn children.

The fix is simple: require large ships to use cleaner fuels like the marine gas oil already used by recreational boaters and fishermen. This immediately cuts toxic wastewater and air pollution.

It’s time to stop letting the shipping industry offload its pollution, impacting Virginia’s seafood economy, watermen, distributors, markets/restaurants, and the health of Virginians. Tell your Commonwealth legislators to support clean shipping. Virginians deserve clean water, clean air, and accountability.