Lots of SOx and NOx

On March 26, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007, giving authority to the US Coast Guard and the EPA to establish and enforce emission limits on domestic and foreign ships entering U.S. waters. Passing 359 to 48, the bill would bring the US into compliance with regulations already used by other countries and adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 1997 to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide (a main component of SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Pollutants such as SOx and NOx deplete the environment’s ozone layer, contribute to global warming, effect climate change and have a serious impact on health.

According to a report issued by The International Council on Clean Transportation entitled, “Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ocean-going Ships: Impacts, Mitigation Options and Opportunities for Managing Growth,” marine fuel contains a much higher sulfur content than highway diesel fuel. (Recent regulations have forced a substantial decrease in sulfur content for diesel fuel available throughout the United States, resulting in the use of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel for on- and off-highway vehicles, thereby lowing SOx emissions.) The report states that ocean-going ships produce more sulfur dioxide than all of the cars, trucks and buses in the world combine.

The latest major action on the bill was on March 28th as it was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

See the Source:
Library of Congress
The International Council on Clean Transportation
Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ocean-going Ships

Find out:
More about the health and environmental impact of NOx.