Source: Cato Institute
by Colin Grabow
“Few laws have managed to hobble America’s energy potential as thoroughly — and quietly — as the Jones Act. Enacted in 1920, the law restricts domestic water transportation to vessels that are built and registered in the United States. While originally justified on national security grounds, the Jones Act now functions as a protectionist anchor dragging down the nation’s energy sector. With sky-high shipping costs, limited vessel availability, and perverse incentives to import foreign fuel over American energy, the Jones Act isn’t protecting U.S. interests — it’s undermining them.” (09/15/25)
https://www.cato.org/commentary/repeal-baby-repeal-how-jones-act-strangles-us-energy