Senator Boxer Introduces Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act

June 11 , 2007

I recently introduced The Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007 (S.1499) to cut air pollution from ships that contribute to dangerous smog and soot pollution around America's ports. Emissions from ships are among the major causes of persistent air-quality problems at many of California's ports and at other ports around the nation. I am pleased that Senator Dianne Feinstein has joined me in this legislative effort and that a companion bill has been introduced in the House by California Members of Congress Hilda L. Solis, Vice Chair of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Jane Harman and Lois Capps.

It is long past time to tighten controls on pollution from ships in our harbors. 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.

Large ships, particularly foreign-flagged vessels, are among the largest unregulated sources of pollutants in Southern California. Foreign-flagged vessels emit almost 90 percent of all vessel pollution. The high sulfur content of marine fuels causes ships to emit over 50 percent of the sulfur oxides (SOx) pollution in Southern California - one of the major components of soot and smog pollution.

The Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act requires ships to use cleaner-burning, lower-sulfur fuels that reduce health-threatening soot and smog-producing emissions when the ships are in or near U.S. ports. The bill also will impose tougher emissions standards for marine engines.

Trade and transportation are vital to the economic health of Americans, but Americans who live near our ports should not pay with their physical health. I am pleased to author this legislation and will work with my colleagues for its passage.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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