While reading through the comments, I notice one about the economic benefits of cruise ships. This is a common claim from the cruise ship industry. And while some will benefit, when you look at the big picture it turns out that there is little to no benefit. Many things needs to be considered: added security, garbage cleanup, infrastructure upgrades, community health impacts, and environmental impacts. This has been studied and is published in a peer-reviewed journal. Initial claims by the cruise ship industry are grossly inflated. Their business model is to upsell passengers on the ship where they will make the most profit and pay very little tax as a foreign-flagged ship. A Key West study finds exaggerated economic benefits as well, and discusses a pay-to-play scheme where the industry gets kickbacks from local agreements. The cruise ship industry is selling their product to passengers and to localities to make a profit. And they are very good salesmen! They wine and dine local officials and business leaders as needed. They invest in advertising. They make targeted donations in the community that can influence decision making.  They have multiple paid lobbyists in Virginia. The State Control Board should be careful to not let perceived economic benefits unduly influence their decision to protect our Commonwealth from cruise ship pollution. The petition for cruise ship regulations cites considerable evidence as to the impact of the industry. I strongly support this petition.