Did you know that port cities have a higher rate of premature deaths due to pollution? Nitrogen Oxides have links to cancer. Please watch this excellent video, "The Cruise Industry: a Floating Grave?" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXDo6Sdk1do. Among other things, the video describes the measurable increase in Nitrogen Oxides when ships are in port, and it explains how the fine particles from the ship’s dirty exhaust can enter both the human bloodstream and brain. More over, Sulphur Oxides cause respiratory issues.

Of course, the cruise industry does not address issues of passenger or public health--even though being a passenger on a large cruise ship can be worse for human health than living in the most polluted cities in the world.

New York and Seattle are both moving to provide cruise ships with shore power that can reduce cruise ship pollution by 70% to 80%. Virginia should do the same to protect the health of our citizens and our waters.

I strongly support this petition. Thank you for your consideration.