US takes lead with Annex VI suggestions

Even as Congress moves toward passing laws to implement Marpol Annex VI rules on air pollution, the US is circulating suggestions on tightening vessel emission mandates. The House Transportation Committee approved the implementing bill, which needs full House and Senate approval as well as presidential signature to become law to be enforced by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USCG. The US, like other IMO member nations, will then need guidance on enforcement, and the US EPA has weighed in on that topic. Bryan C Wood-Thomas, the EPA’s point man on the issue, confirmed to Fairplay this morning that he has circulated proposed standards for IMO consideration that will set “performance-based standards” and give shipowners two choices to meet those standards – use cleaner fuel or install scrubbers or both. He said the draft proposal has been “circulated to a few stakeholders, including flag states and industry groups” for consideration before a broader IMO debate. In addition to setting firm deadlines for reduction of NOx and CO2, the rule would also establish a set distance from shore where the tighter Tier 3 SOx rules would apply.