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  3. The Ocean Pollutes A decision by the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes an emissions control

The Ocean Pollutes A decision by the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes an emissions control

admin2013-06-05  51
问题                             The Ocean Pollutes
    A decision by the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes an emissions control area and requires all oceangoing ships, including oil tankers, cargo vessels and cruise ships, to use cleaner fuel within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. and Canadian coasts. The rule, which was proposed by the two nations a year ago, will become enforceable in August 2012.
    Up to now, ships that fall outside the U. S. government’s jurisdiction often use heavy, sludge-like fuels with high levels of sulfur. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the rule will force ships to use pricier, more-refined fuel that cuts sulfur levels by 98 percent, thereby slashing by up to 85 percent nitrogen oxide emissions that are linked to cancer.
    "This is a change that will benefit millions of people and set in motion new innovations for the shipping industry," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement. "The sulfur, particulate emissions and other harmful pollutants from large ships reach from our ports to communities hundreds of miles inland-bringing with them health, environmental and economic burdens," she said. "Cleaning up our shipping lanes will be a boon to communities across North America."
    California is the only state that mandates ships within 24 nautical miles of the coast to burn cleaner fuel. The mandate prompted many vessels heading to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to take a shortcut route to save on using the costlier fuel. The different traffic pattern caused safety concerns as some ships entered restricted areas where Navy missile tests are conducted.
    Under pressure to clean up emissions contributing to some of the nation’s worst air quality, officials of the giant Long Beach and Los Angeles port complex had also imposed cargo fees to help pay for cleaner trucks that haul goods in and out, raising worries that ships might go elsewhere.
    Shippers and cruise companies initially opposed the new emissions control area on grounds that it sets arbitrary boundaries using faulty science and the switch to low sulfur fuels would drive up costs. After the IMO decision, though, they appeared to he softening their stance.
    Environmentalists said winds off the ocean can blow ship pollution hundreds of miles inland, so the new rule will improve the air for residents in every region of the country.
What can be inferred from the passage?
选项 A、There has never been any opposition to the IMP decision.
B、Some cruise companies suggest emission control areas should be reset.
C、There is little chance that low-sulfur fuels will he used widely.
D、More cruise companies are ready to accept the IMP decision.
答案D
解析 从文章第6段第2句：After the IMO decision，though，they appeared to be softening theirstance．可知，在IMO的政策出台之后，一些船公司态度有所缓和，故选D项。
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