In the absence of any congressional legislative action on regulating greenhouse gas emissions and with political momentum on its side, the Obama administration announced today it would be moving forward with its plan to begin regulating carbon dioxide emissions from large point sources, namely refineries and power
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Lisa P. Jackson
The US EPA has finalized a rule setting tough engine and fuel standards for large US flagged ships, a major milestone in the agency’s coordinated strategy to slash harmful marine diesel emissions.
The regulation harmonizes with international standards and will lead to significant air quality improvements throughout the country. “There are enormous health and environmental consequences that come from marine diesel emissions, affecting both port cities and communities hundreds of miles inland. Stronger standards will help make large ships cleaner and more efficient, and protect millions of Americans from harmful diesel emissions,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Port communities have identified diesel emissions as one of the greatest health threats facing their people — especially their children. These new rules mark a step forward in cutting dangerous pollution in the air we breathe and reducing the harm to our health, our environment, and our economy.”
A major new regulatory requirement, starting January 1, 2010, will affect most large industrial and utility combustion sources in the US.
Fossil fuel and industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) suppliers, motor vehicle and engine manufacturers, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of CO2 equivalent per year will be required to report GHG emissions data to EPA annually. This threshold is equivalent to about the annual GHG emissions from 4,600 passenger vehicles.