EPA, Coast Guard Announce Agreement to Enforce Air Pollution
Requirements for Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters
Release date: 06/27/2011
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/marine/ci/420f10015.htm
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) today announced 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 (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 (MOU) 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.
A letter to industry was also signed today by USCG and EPA to provide the
regulated community with notice that USCG and EPA will be taking measures to
promote compliance with federal and international air pollution requirements
and will be actively pursuing violations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency which
deals with maritime safety, security and the prevention of marine pollution from
ships across the globe. The International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), developed through the IMO, is the main
international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine
environment by ships. MARPOL Annex VI addresses air pollution from ships
through the use of both engine-based and fuel-based standards. Additionally,
MARPOL Annex VI requires ships operated in designated geographical areas,
known as emission control areas or ECAs, to meet the most advanced
standards for NOx emissions and fuel sulfur limits. The United States became a
party to MARPOL Annex VI in 2008 and the treaty is implemented in the United
States through the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).
International Ship Engine and Fuel Standards (MARPOL Annex VI)
Emission Control
Area
Year
Fuel
Sulfur
Today to July
2010
15,000
ppm
2010
10,000
ppm
2015
1,000
ppm
2016
Global
NOX
Tier III (Aftertreatmentforcing)
Today to January
2011
Tier I (Engine-based
controls)
2011
Tier II (Engine-based
controls)
Today to January
2012
45,000
ppm
2012
35,000
ppm
2020 *
5,000
ppm
Note: * Subject to a fuel availability study in 2018, may be extended to 2025.