PMSA has led efforts in the U.S. Congress, the California Legislature, and many local governments for the ratification of an international marine pollution treaty, MARPOL Annex VI. In 2008, the U.S. President signed MARPOL Annex VI into law. The international treaty seeks to reduce air pollution from ships by setting enforceable international emissions standards for ocean-going vessels. The treaty also allows signatory nations to establish Sulfur Emission Control Areas, where cleaner fuels must be used by all ships operating in those areas. PMSA supports the creation of a North America Sulfur Emission Control Area to reduce air pollution at or near busy ports. This is the fairest and most effective way to improve our coastal air quality.
Already, PMSA members have begun implementing aspects of MARPOL Annex VI:
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Ships constructed since January 2000 are required to have cleaner-burning engines under the terms of MARPOL Annex VI.
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Many PMSA members already have policies to use fuels that are significantly cleaner than the sulfur fuel content requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.
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Many PMSA members have already taken steps to exceed the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI by retrofitting their vessels with cleaner technologies, including outfitting vessels capable of using shore-side electricity while in port, retrofitting vessels with emission reduction technologies, and purchasing vessel engines that exceed the international standards.
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