07/10/2008 GAAS:520:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Text of letter from California, Oregon and Washington Governors to President Bush Requesting Signature on Maritime Pollution Prevention Act
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oregon Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski and Washington Governor Christine O. Gregoire sent the following letter to President Bush today requesting his signature on House Resolution 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007, passed by the U.S. Congress.
The legislation authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard to issue enforcement regulations for Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which addresses vessel emissions.
Text of the letter:
July 10, 2008
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We write to request your signature on House Resolution 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007, passed by the U.S. Congress. The legislation authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard to issue enforcement regulations for Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which addresses vessel emissions.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) negotiations to establish cleaner global ship standards are at a critical juncture. The U.S. government has submitted treaty amendments to the IMO for strengthening MAROL Annex VI that have broad national support. It is imperative that the United States is able to take a strong position in support of strict vessel emission limits at a meeting of the IMO in October 2008.
We believe an international regulatory solution is needed to reduce diesel emissions from ships. Implementation of the U.S. proposal by the IMO will reduce emissions of soot and nitrogen dioxide, action that will significantly improve local air quality in our coastal states and will also help address global climate change.
We strongly support your administration's efforts in completing the crucial work necessary to approve MARPOL Annex VI implementing legislation. We hope you will seize this unique opportunity in which industry, environmental organizations and regulatory agencies are aligned in moving forward for the common good of the people of the United States.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger Theodore R. Kulongoski Christine O. Gregoire
Governor of California Governor of Oregon Governor of Washington
