The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved new regulations yesterday that will require ships sailing in and out of the state’s ports to use cleaner burning fuel.
The regulations, which are the strictest in the nation, prohibit tankers, cargo ships and cruise vessels burning bunker fuel within 24 nautical miles of the California coast. Bunker fuel is a cheaper form of crude oil with the consistency of asphalt.
Starting July 1, 2009 ships will have to switch to more expensive, cleaner-burning marine fuels when approaching the mainland.
Similar regulations are being negotiated internationally, but aren’t expected to go into effect until 2015.
Last year a federal court blocked California regulators from requiring cleaner burning fuel in an effort to reduce emissions. The court ruled the state could not set emissions standards without permission from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This time, CARB is defining the regulation as a fuel requirement, for which they say no federal approval is needed.
Shipping companies oppose the rule, and may challenge it in federal court. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association said under a federal law known as the Submerged Lands Act, California only has jurisdiction to regulate ships within state waters that extend three nautical miles from the coast.
Loading...