JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Alaska's Senate Resources Committee has advanced legislation that would change how the state regulates wastewater from cruise ships.
SB29 now goes to Senate Finance.
The bill from Gov. Sean Parnell stems from a preliminary report by a panel charged with looking at cruise ship pollution. Parnell's Environmental Conservation commissioner has said the proposal would align rules for cruise ships with those for others who get discharge permits from the agency.
Critics charge the proposal would roll back provisions of a citizen initiative requiring cruise ships meet state water quality standards when dumping wastewater.
Meanwhile, House Resources began taking up amendments for the House version of the bill.
