Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act

HR 8726, the Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act, establishes a voluntary program to reduce vessel speeds in designated coastal waters (initially modeled on California's existing program) to protect whales and reduce pollution. It requires large commercial vessels (300+ gross tons) transiting the "Program Area" to slow to 10 knots or less during specific periods, with annual "Excellence Awards" for compliant vessels. The program offers no mandatory participation, funding, or safety changes, and includes a logo for award-winning companies to display with compliance metrics. The Under Secretary must report on expanding the program to the entire U.S. Pacific coast within four years.