A new bill introduced in Congress is trying to build support for an effort to improve the environment by getting ships to slow down in the Santa Barbara Channel.
The Blue Whales and Blue Skies Act would recognize shipping companies which take part in the voluntary program.
The ship slowing reduces the chances of the vessels hitting, and killing whales in the Channel. At the same time, the speed reduction has led to a major drop in air pollution.
Ships traveling through the Channel are one of the major sources of air pollution in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
To encourage companies to participate, they are compensated financially for the slower ship transit times.
Four members of Congress are co-sponsoring the legislation.
