New provision could allow S.S. Badger to stay afloat
By: Jim McShea
Updated: November 30, 2012
The Badger drops more than 500 tons of coal ash into the lake each session as it ferries cars and passengers from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc.
Without renewal of its federal permit or an investment to end ash dumping, the ferry would have to shut down by December 19th.
However a provision slipped into a U.S. Coast Guard bill would require the federal EPA to green-light any coal-fired vessel that is a national historic landmark.
The provision has received lots of criticism, and some lawmakers are working to block it, as the bill is negotiated between the house and senate.
