Jones Act waived for fuel

Updated 3:41 p.m. ET, Tue Sep 27, 2005

President Bush has again directed Department Of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to waive the Jones Act to help move fuel after Hurricane Rita wrecked petroleum processing infrastructure along the Gulf Coast.

The act was temporarily waived earlier this month after Hurricane Katrina damaged petroleum infrastructure in the Gulf region.

The waiver means foreign-flagged ships will be allowed to temporarily transport fuel from one U.S. port to another to help maintain adequate supplies around the country.

Customs says the waiver took effect Sept. 26 and will run through 12:01 a.m. Oct. 24.