Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025

The "Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025" proposes to amend title 46 of the United States Code, creating an exemption from existing coastwise shipping laws for specific types of cargo and trade routes. This legislation focuses on the transportation of energy products , broadly defined to include petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and various equipment for electricity generation, storage, and distribution, such as wind turbines and solar panels. The bill introduces the concept of "covered noncontiguous trade," encompassing shipping between the contiguous 48 states and Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as trade solely among these noncontiguous areas. By exempting these energy products in covered noncontiguous trade from subsection (b) of section 55102, the bill would allow vessels not typically compliant with coastwise laws to transport these goods. This measure is intended to enhance the accessibility and flow of critical energy resources to and from these geographically distinct U.S. regions.