May 22

The Senate environment committee has approved a bill that would reduce air pollution from ships and other marine vessels visiting U.S. ports.

The measure, if enacted into law, would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to limit the sulfur content of fuels for both domestic and foreign flagged ships using U.S. ports beginning in 2010. It would also set tougher emissions standards for marine engines based on technologies used for similar engines in onshore applications.

"It is long past time to tighten controls on pollution from ships in our harbors," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., the committee chairwoman. "For too long, people who live near our busiest shipping facilities have paid a price with their families´ health. This legislation will speed the process of clearing the air at America´s ports."

The Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2008, also known as Senate Bill 1499, next head to the full Senate for consideration.

Contact Waste News reporter Bruce Geiselman at (330) 865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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