US cracks downon ship emissions

On 22 December 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule setting tough engine and fuel standards for large US-flagged ships. The new regulation harmonizes with international standards and will lead to significant air quality improvements throughout the country (see Acid News 4/09, p. 19).

Annual health benefits in 2030 are estimated to be worth between US$110 billion and 270 billion, compared to compliance costs of only about US$3.1 billion, the EPA said.

“EPA’s rule, coupled with a successful international initiative, will provide a critical regulatory foundation. But important gaps in the framework remain, and the EPA must work in the near future to reduce black carbon emissions from all vessels as well as smog-forming emissions from existing ships,” said John Kaltenstein at Friends of the Earth. “Additional measures will be needed to better protect human health and also avert dangerous climate impacts,” he added.

More information: www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm.

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