Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. California Assemblyman Proposes Premium Fee for Daytime Use of Marine Terminals

The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that California Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal has proposed legislation to charge a premium fee for daytime use of the Los Angeles and Long Beach marine terminals, which would make shippers pay for extending the life of existing infrastructure. The article notes that the fee is also designed to push more truck traffic into off-peak hours, thereby reducing congestion on the freeway and at terminal gates. (JoC, dated 02/09/04-02/15/04, www.joc.com)

2. DHS Deputy Secretary Loy Addresses Maritime and Port Security 2004 Conference

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made available Deputy Secretary Loy's February 4, 2004 address to the Maritime and Port Security 2004 Conference. In his address, Loy stated that the biggest challenge facing the U.S. marine transportation system is ensuring that legitimate cargo is not needlessly delayed as the U.S. and other nations institute new security measures. (DHS press release, dated 02/04/04, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3118)

3. USTR Announces Partially Open Meeting of Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice stating that on March 4, 2004, the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC) will hold a partially open meeting at which trade policy issues will be discussed. (FR Pub 02/13/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-3276.pdf)