The new legislation states that Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants must be biodegradable, minimally toxic and not bioaccumulative, as per the standards defined in Appendix A of the VGP.
In March 2013, the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) issued a revised Vessel General Permit (VGP) that became effective on December 19, 2013, introducing new environmental regulations on vessels operating in US coastal waters. These environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL) must be used in all oil-to-sea interfaces on any vessel greater than 79 feet. There are also stipulations to maintain seals and equipment to regulation standards, with fines for non-compliance.