AWO is committed to ensuring that the federal regulatory regime governing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry provides for a high level of safety, security and environmental protection while preserving the economic efficiency of barge transportation and the free flow of maritime commerce.

 

Regulations that compromise the safety of towing vessels and their crewmembers, that impose unnecessary costs on companies operating towing vessels or barges, or that result in the diversion of cargo to other modes of transportation are harmful not only to the industry, but also to the U.S. economy and marine environment.

 

 

AWO works closely with federal agencies and with Congress to maximize opportunities to provide regulatory relief to AWO members. In the response to the regulatory reform initiative that President Trump launched shortly after taking office in 2017, AWO has made recommendations to several federal agencies on regulations, policies and guidance that should be repealed, replaced or modified.