By Becky Bohrer The Associated Press KTUU

12:20 p.m. AKST, February 19, 2013
JUNEAU, Alaska—

The Alaska Senate has passed a measure that would change how the state regulates cruise ship wastewater.

HB80 passed 15-5, following lengthy debate. Sen. Dennis Egan initially voted against the bill but changed his vote on reconsideration. It will now go to Gov. Sean Parnell.

The bill, proposed by Parnell, would require that cruise ships discharge wastewater in a manner consistent with applicable state or federal law. It would strike the more stringent requirement that discharges meet state water quality standards at the point of discharge. The measure also would allow mixing zones where wastewater can be diluted into the water, if ships meet certain standards for treatment of discharge.

Critics see it as a rollback of provisions of a 2006 citizen initiative. But supporters contend the cruise industry will continue to be held to high standards.