Friday, October 30, 2009
Lake Carriers Will Continue To Clunk Along
The Soo Evening News reported the Sault Ste. Marie's City Commissioner's apoplectic response to the EPA's proposed cleaners fuel rules. See: City rallies around historic ships
The anger is a bit disingenuous as there are many complaints and a desire for something to be done when raw sewage overflows into the St. Marys River - in many ways particulate air pollution is worse as it directly contributes to premature deaths. How is working for clean air in the Great Lakes different than working for clean water? Are these complainers going to threaten to move to Mexico because the government wants to improve the well being of the public? And have they been to Mexico? Do they have any idea how bad the air quality in Mexico City is?
Also, the reporter in the story wrote "The EPA regulation is set to go in effect in December which would seemingly prevent the good ships and crews from even completing the 2009-10 shipping season." but this is inaccurate. The Lake Carriers would have had until 2015 to fully meet the emissions requirements.
A compromise has been reached however. See: Deal struck on Great Lakes ship pollution
A different view from Great Lakes United: Clearing the Smoke on Ship Emission Standards
The anger is a bit disingenuous as there are many complaints and a desire for something to be done when raw sewage overflows into the St. Marys River - in many ways particulate air pollution is worse as it directly contributes to premature deaths. How is working for clean air in the Great Lakes different than working for clean water? Are these complainers going to threaten to move to Mexico because the government wants to improve the well being of the public? And have they been to Mexico? Do they have any idea how bad the air quality in Mexico City is?
Also, the reporter in the story wrote "The EPA regulation is set to go in effect in December which would seemingly prevent the good ships and crews from even completing the 2009-10 shipping season." but this is inaccurate. The Lake Carriers would have had until 2015 to fully meet the emissions requirements.
A compromise has been reached however. See: Deal struck on Great Lakes ship pollution
Congressional negotiators reached a deal Tuesday that would effectively exempt 13 ships that haul iron ore, coal and other freight on the Great Lakes from a proposed federal rule meant to reduce air pollution.
A different view from Great Lakes United: Clearing the Smoke on Ship Emission Standards
Labels: freighter, law, pollution, shipping
