U.S. seeks emissions-control zone around ports

Typography
The United States has applied to the International Maritime Organization to create a 230-mile emissions control zone around the nation's coastline, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson said Monday.

NEWARK, N.J. - The United States has applied to the International Maritime Organization to create a 230-mile emissions control zone around the nation's coastline, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson said Monday.

Jackson wants to limit emissions along the nation’s coastline and within its seaports, just as the agency does along highways, with tougher pollution standards on large commercial ships.

The move is intended to ensure the shipping industry does its part to improve the air quality of major seaport communities. Ships moving through the zone would be subject to the tougher emissions standards.

!ADVERTISEMENT!

"This is an important and long overdue step to protect the air and water along our shores," Jackson said, speaking in front of a row of cranes at a press conference in Port Newark.

Jackson estimated that 40 of the 100 largest U.S. ports are located in metropolitan areas that fail to meet federal air quality standards. One of them is the Port Newark facility, which is part of the Port of New York and New Jersey — the East Coast's largest port complex.

Article continues:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29959476/