Client Alert
| October 23, 2009
EPA Proposes New Rule Aimed at Significantly Reducing Emissions from Oceangoing Vessels
On August 28, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule aimed at significantly reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) from large oceangoing vessels flagged or registered in the United States, including cruise ships, container ships, tankers and bulk carriers. See Control of Emissions from New Compression-Ignition Engines at or Above 30 Liters per Cylinder, 74 Fed. Reg. 44,442 (Aug. 28, 2009). The notice and comment period for the proposed rule ended on September 28, 2009. Opponents of the proposed rule believe that EPA should extend the compliance timeline proposed in the rule and are lobbying Congress to block EPA's ability to implement aspects of the rule if finalized. In response, proponents of the rule are also lobbying key members of the Senate to ensure that the 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2996) does not include a rider that could limit EPA's ability to implement the rule's proposed engine and fuel standards.
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