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MARINE POLLUTION The Office of General Counsel for International Law MARINE POLLUTION PREVENTION ACT OF 2008 On July 21, 2008, the President signed into law H.R. 802, the "Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008." The President's signature allows the U.S. to become a Party to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Under MARPOL Annex VI, which addresses vessel air pollution, large diesel-powered, ocean-going vessels such as container ships, tankers, cruise ships and bulk carriers must limit their emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and use cleaner-burning fuels to reduce their sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Annex VI Parties may also designate areas off their coasts -- called SO2 emission control areas or SECAS -- where more stringent fuel controls apply. Additional reference information: White House News Release (July 21, 2008). Available for download. NOAA Press Release. Available for download. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Press Release (July 22, 2008). Available for download. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Press Release. Available for download. U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Press Release (July 22, 2008). Available for download. IMO Press Release (October 9, 2008) announcing that the U.S. has deposited its instrument of ratification. Available for download. IMO Circular Noting U.S. Ratification of MARPOL Annex VI (Oct. 15, 2008) H.R. 802 as passed by the House and Senate Report of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation. S. Rept. 110-394 (Sept. 23, 2008). Report of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 109-667. (Sept. 19, 2006). Senate Foreign Relations Committee Report and Proposed Resolution of Accession to MARPOL Annex VI Ex. Rept. 109-13. (March 30, 2006). Congressional Record-Senate. (March 30, 2006). Congressional Record-House.(July 8, 2008). Related Pages Marine Pollution International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 Land-Based Sources and Activities Protocol