Previous Story
EPA, Coast Guard to enforce air pollution limits for vessels operating in US waters
|
Posted on Jun 29 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard announced this week an agreement to jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters.
The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides, or NOx, emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people’s health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America.
“Today’s agreement forges a strong partnership between EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing our shared commitment to enforce air emissions standards for ships operating in U.S. waters,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Reducing harmful air pollution is a priority for EPA and by working with the Coast Guard we will ensure that the ships moving through our waters meet their environmental obligations, protecting our nation’s air quality and the health of our coastal communities.”
“This agreement demonstrates the Coast Guard’s long-standing commitment to protecting our nation’s marine environment,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. “Aligning our capabilities with EPA enhances our commitment to the marine environment while minimizing the impact on shipping.”
The large marine diesel engines that provide propulsion and auxiliary power on many ocean-going vessels emit significant amounts of pollution. Without further action, EPA estimates that by 2030, NOx emissions from ships will more than double, growing to 2.1 million tons per year.
The memorandum of understanding signed by EPA and the USCG outlines the agencies’ commitment to jointly enforce federal and international laws that EPA projects could prevent 12,000-31,000 premature deaths annually by 2030. Under the MOU, both the USCG and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected. [I](EPA)[/I]
