Napolitano Issues Temporary Waiver To Allow Additional Oil Tankers To Enter US Northeast Ports

As a result of impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano issued Friday a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act to immediately allow additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, to provide additional fuel resources to the region.

“The Administration’s highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy and this waiver will remove a potential obstacle to bringing additional fuel to the storm damaged region,” said Secretary Napolitano.

Secretary Napolitano’s action immediately allows additional ships, that would otherwise be barred, to begin shipping petroleum products from the Gulf of Mexico to Northeastern ports, increasing the access to fuel in the storm damaged region.

The waiver is operative through November 13th.

Officials said the Administration is continuing to monitor the situation and is prepared to take additional actions as necessary to ensure that the energy needs of the region affected by Hurricane Sandy are met.