Why It Matters

International Materials Inc. is making a strategic pivot from trade advocacy to environmental compliance, hiring Blank Rome Government Relations LLC to address dust pollution from bulk cargo operations at ports. This marks a departure from Holland & Knight LLP, which previously handled IMI’s international trade lobbying.

Congress is advancing maritime environmental regulation through the Clean Shipping Act of 2025, mandating zero emissions at U.S. ports by 2035, and the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, which proposes fees on particle pollution—potentially covering dust particles IMI wants to address.

IMI spent $160,000 on lobbying between 2020-2023 under Holland & Knight, focusing on Venezuela trade policy. By engaging a maritime-specialized firm with deep EPA and Coast Guard relationships, IMI is positioning itself to influence incoming environmental regulations rather than simply react. Registered lobbyist Alan Rubin previously represented AET Inc. Ltd. on maritime issues, bringing relevant shipping industry experience.

By the Numbers

IMI began federal lobbying in 2020, retaining Holland & Knight from October 2020 through January 2023. During that period, the company filed 11 lobbying disclosures and spent $160,000 on international trade advocacy, primarily Venezuelan procurement issues.

The company shifted to Blank Rome Government Relations LLC effective January 14, 2025, with Alan Rubin as registered lobbyist. Rubin previously represented AET Inc. Ltd. on maritime issues from 2019-2021.

The Agenda

IMI is lobbying on dust particles released into water from transporting materials from ships to holding facilities. This marks a significant shift from international trade concerns to domestic maritime environmental regulation, aligning with congressional scrutiny on shipping industry pollution.

The new focus targets two key legislative proposals: the Clean Shipping Act of 2025 and the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, which would impose fees on greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution from vessels.

Broader Context

Congressional activity on maritime pollution is intensifying. The Clean Shipping Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), mandates zero emissions from ships at U.S. ports by 2035. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would impose fees on vessels offloading cargo, with charges on particle pollution that could encompass bulk cargo dust.

Environmental groups including Ocean Conservancy, Sierra Club, and GreenLatinos are mobilizing behind stricter maritime standards. IMI’s core business—transporting dusty materials like cement and gypsum via ships—faces direct scrutiny under this emerging regulatory framework.

Between The Lines

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) introduced the Clean Shipping Act, while Padilla and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act. The legislation explicitly targets port communities facing environmental justice concerns.

No specific hearings on bulk cargo dust pollution have been identified, suggesting the issue remains nascent at the federal level but will likely be addressed within broader maritime pollution frameworks.

Competitive Landscape

The maritime pollution space is dominated by environmental advocacy organizations rather than competing industry players. Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, Sierra Club, GreenLatinos, and Friends of the Earth are mobilizing support for stricter shipping pollution controls alongside influential Democrats from coastal states.

No other bulk cargo companies are currently registered as lobbying on dust particle pollution from ship-to-shore material transfer, suggesting IMI may be among the first to formally engage on this issue at the federal level.

The Bottom Line

IMI’s hiring of Blank Rome represents a strategic shift toward proactive environmental compliance lobbying. With Congress advancing aggressive maritime pollution legislation and environmental groups pushing for stricter standards, IMI is positioning itself to shape regulatory requirements rather than face them as an afterthought.

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