International Maritime Organization Approves U.S.-Canadian Proposal for Strengthened Controls on Air Pollution from Ships in North American Waters

摘要

In March 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) authorizing establishment of a North American Emission Control Area, where ships' emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter will be subject to controls more stringent than those applying globally. The IMO action was applauded by environmental groups and others concerned about air pollution from oceangoing ships visiting U.S. and Canadian ports, many of which burn heavy oil that is high in sulfur and other pollutants. The IMO action follows from a 2009 proposal made jointly by the United States and Canada, later joined by France. (Proposals to impose similar controls on large commercial vessels in the Great Lakes have drawn opposition from Great Lakes shipping interests and key members of Congress from Great Lakes states.)