What criteria are now used to determine if the waiver applies to voyages?

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Reviews on the Availability of US Vessels Now Determine Waiver Application for Voyages

The criteria for determining if the waiver to the Jones Act applies to individual voyages now include reviews on the availability of US vessels. This updated requirement was introduced as part of a 90-day extension of the waiver, which allows foreign ships to transport commodities between US ports. The extension aims to ensure uninterrupted access to critical resources for the US military and key industries, particularly concerning energy products.
Review of US Vessel Availability

The latest extension of the Jones Act waiver mandates a review of the availability of US vessels before it can be applied to specific voyages. This condition was not explicitly detailed in previous iterations of the waiver. The purpose of this review is to assess whether US-flagged ships are capable of fulfilling the transport needs before allowing foreign vessels to be used.
Focus on Energy Transport

The scope of the current waiver extension is narrower, with a specific focus on the transport of energy products. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers confirmed that the waiver has led to a significant increase in domestic deliveries of essential products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Data indicates that over 54 million barrels of energy products have been moved between US ports on more than 200 voyages since the initial waiver was granted in March.
Impact on Domestic Commerce and Costs

The waiver has been credited with unleashing domestic commerce that was previously restricted by the Jones Act. According to the Cato Institute's Colin Grabow and Scott Lincicome, these voyages have largely involved vessels not connected to countries like China, supplying American companies with domestic energy products. This has helped avoid higher costs associated with importing these products. The measure comes amidst a backdrop of surging oil prices and increased gasoline costs in the United States, attributed to disruptions in energy flows and elevated costs stemming from the ongoing conflict impacting Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

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What criteria are now used to determine if the waiver applies to voyages?

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