b'The new rule offers a vessel operator the op- technology for all categories of harbor craft.The federal approach is twofold. Using author-tion of proposing an acceptable AlternativeThis working group is to report back by theity granted by the Clean Air Act, EPA man-ControlofEmissions(ACE)plan.Suchaend of 2024 and every two years thereafter. Itsdates that the percentage of sulfur in marine plan may be approved if it demonstrates anfinding theoretically might induce the board tofuels must be the lowest in the world. Also, to equivalent reduction of emissions. One mustmake future adjustments to the rule. suppress emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), a likely operate a fleet of multiple vessels to benew engine sold for installation on a passenger able to take advantage of the ACE option,vessel must be classified as Tier 3 or Tier 4 de-as it must incorporate technologies such asFor states other thanpending on the vessels size or horsepower. A fleet averaging. higher-tier classification means that the NOx California, vesselemissions are fewer. With limited exceptions, The new CHC rule requires the use of renew- however,thefederalruledoesnotmandate able diesel (R100) fuel and mandates opacityoperators mustthat a vessel operator remove an older engine testingofmainengineemissionseverytwoat an arbitrary date and substitute a newer, years. As a general rule, at-dock idling of en- comply with emissionscleaner model.gines cannot exceed 15 minutes. requirementsMight the federal Environmental Protection For the first time, CARB will impose an an- established by theAgencyseektoamenditsexistingmarine nual fee, to be assessed on each regulated vesselvessel rules to move towards the California and engine. For a single vessel operator, thisU.S. Environmentalmodel? Such a step would require a formal will cost at least $661 per year, and the fee willrulemakingprocess.Thusfar,thereisno be considerably higher for a multi-vessel fleet. Protection Agency. sign of such a proposal from EPA, but the Biden Administration has been pushing the AlthoughtherevisedCommercialHarborInternational Maritime Organization to act Craft rules have now been adopted, CARBFor states other than California, vessel opera- aggressively to combat emissions from ocean-will establish a technical working group to as- tors must comply with emissions requirementsgoingships.Anefforttoreduceemissions sess the commercial availability of lower-emit- established by the U.S. Environmental Protec- from the domestic marine sector would not tingcombustionenginesandzero-emissiontion Agency (EPA) more than a decade ago.be surprising.Throughout the ever-changing pandemic, MOPS Marine License Insurance has been working diligently to uphold our commitment to help professional mariners navigate through uncertain waters. We take our promise to protect the licenses, livelihood and reputations of licensed mariners seriously, just like we have since 1935. This means that we are utilizing our more than 85 years of expertise and knowledge to maximize the effectiveness of our network of maritime attorneys and safeguard your USCG license. We also understand you may be experiencing financial difficulties at this time, but dont let that stop you from protecting your livelihood. Contact uswe are ready to assist. And, we know from experience that its not always smooth sailing, so our marine license insurance specialists are right by your side whenever trouble strikes, 24/7/365. There are still a lot of unknowns in the world right now. But one thing remains certainMOPS is here to help you steer the course. MOPS Marine License Insurance800-782-8902 x3608 | mopsmarinelicenseinsurance.comProtecting mariners for over 85 years31 APRIL 2022'