EPA, Coast Guard Announce Agreement to Enforce Air Pollution Requirements for Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters (HQ)
EPA, Coast Guard Announce
Agreement to Enforce Air Pollution Requirements for Vessels
Operating in U.S. Waters
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).
Read the MOU:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/caaenfprog.html#mou
Learn about EPA’s Ocean Vessels and Large
Ships program: https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change