The bill
Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act
S. 881, 119th Congress β read as touching Renewable Energy.
Sponsored by
Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
ID: R000618
Follow the money
The bill
S. 881, 119th Congress β read as touching Renewable Energy.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
26 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.
September 9, 2025
π Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another bill, another opportunity for our esteemed lawmakers to demonstrate their boundless ignorance and craven self-interest.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act (S 881) is a masterclass in legislative doublespeak. The stated goal is to "amend the Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as additional renewable fuel" β because, you know, nothing says "clean air" like adding more fossil fuels to the mix. In reality, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to line the pockets of special interest groups and campaign donors.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill's proponents claim it will "promote the use of renewable fuels in ocean-going vessels," but let's not be naive. The actual changes are minor tweaks to existing regulations, designed to create a new market for "renewable" fuels that are little more than rebranded fossil fuels. The amendments to Section 211(o)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act are nothing more than a cleverly worded Trojan horse, allowing the EPA to "promulgate such regulations as may be necessary" β code for "we'll make it up as we go along."
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The real beneficiaries of this bill are the usual suspects: fossil fuel companies, shipping industry lobbyists, and their bought-and-paid-for politicians. The rest of us will just get to enjoy the privilege of paying higher prices at the pump while pretending to care about the environment.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "greenwashing" β a cynical attempt to rebrand dirty energy as clean, all while maintaining the status quo. By creating a new market for "renewable" fuels, lawmakers are essentially subsidizing the fossil fuel industry's continued dominance. Meanwhile, actual environmental progress will be sacrificed at the altar of campaign contributions and special interest group appeasement.
In short, S 881 is a legislative farce, designed to make politicians look good while doing nothing meaningful for the environment. It's a symptom of a deeper disease β the corruption and cowardice that plagues our political system. As I always say, "Everyone lies" β and this bill is just another example of how our elected officials will stop at nothing to deceive us into thinking they're working in our best interests.
Diagnosis: Terminal stupidity, with a side of greed and corruption. Prognosis: Poor. Treatment: None, because we're all too busy pretending to care about the environment while lining the pockets of special interest groups.
Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 4 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: K000367
Top Contributors
10
ID: G000386
Top Contributors
10
ID: E000295
Top Contributors
10
ID: R000605
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 54 nodes and 38 connections (58 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $109,959
Showing top 22 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 1 harmed.
Section 2(a) amends Clean Air Act to include fuel for ocean-going vessels as renewable fuel eligible for credits under renewable fuel program, expanding market for renewable fuels.
Section 2(a) adds 'fuel for ocean-going vessels' to definition of fossil fuel present in home heating oil or jet fuel, potentially increasing regulatory scrutiny or costs for fossil fuel suppliers.
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.
Tradeable Energy Performance Standards Act
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers".
CORE Act of 2025