Who enforces the U.S. pollution regulations that apply to ships?

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing pollution regulations that apply to ships under federal law. This regulatory authority stems from the Coast Guard's role in ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. The Coast Guard oversees compliance with various laws, including the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act, which are specifically designed to prevent pollution from ships and protect marine environments. They conduct inspections, investigations, and can impose penalties for violations, making them the primary agency for enforcing these regulations.

Other entities, such as Port Authorities, the Corps of Engineers, and State Pollution Boards, play roles in maritime operations and environmental regulations, but they operate within different scopes. Port Authorities manage port facilities and operations, while the Corps of Engineers typically focuses on navigation and infrastructure projects. State Pollution Boards regulate environmental concerns at a state level, but they do not enforce federal maritime pollution laws like the Coast Guard does.