U.S. agencies have taken another step forward in implementing a key international agreement to reduce air pollution from large ships. Yesterday, President Bush signed into law the Maritime Pollution Protection Act of 2008, which clears the way for U.S. ratification of the international treaty regulating emissions – known as MARPOL Annex VI – from large diesel-powered, ocean-going vessels.

Under MARPOL Annex VI, container ships, tankers, cruise ships and bulk carriers must limit NOx emissions from their category three diesel engines. It also sets a cap on the sulfur content of the fuel they burn and includes a program for designating areas where more stringent fuel controls apply, such as near coastlines that have more severe air quality concerns.

According to the EPA, MARPOL stakeholders will work to strengthen NOx and SO2 standards and the sulfur requirements in fuel this October. If adopted, these stronger international standards have the potential to yield significant environmental and public health benefits in the U.S. and around the world (Read more about reigning-in the pollution caused by oceangoing vessels at the EPA’s website.)

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