The White House announced the bill (S.140) which includes the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018 (VIDA) was signed into law on December 4, 2018, modifying the regulation of vessel incidental discharge and ballast water. The changes effected by the new law will be developed and phased in over a 2-year period. During this time, it’s important for owners to understand that the current EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements will remain in effect until new regulations are developed.