Houston lobbies IMO on emissions zones

Houston lobbies IMO on emissions zones    Houston port and government officials are petitioning the International Maritime Organization to accept the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s application to establish more stringent fuel and engine standards for large ships.
   The IMO will meet this week in London to discuss the creation of 200-mile-wide buffer zones along the U.S.-Canada coastlines. Concerned about quality-of-life issues, four Harris County commissioners and a county judge (which together comprise the county’s governing body, known as Commissioners’ Court), have adopted a resolution urging IMO acceptance of the EPA request. The Port of Houston Authority and the City of Houston also have submitted letters of support.
   “With ever-increasing marine traffic, taking strong steps to slash ship pollution is absolutely essential for our region and on the quality of air we breathe,” said Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan.
   According to the EPA, the standards sought by the United States would “cut sulfur in fuel by 98 percent, particulate matter emissions by 85 percent, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 percent from the current global requirements.”