Opinion ID: 187314
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Foreign-Flagged Vessels

Text: The petitioners also challenge the EPA's postponement of the decision whether to apply any emissions standards to foreign-flagged vessels that visit ports in the United States. Foreign-flagged vessels now meet the Tier 1 standards by complying with the equivalent international standards. Bluewater Network, 372 F.3d at 413. We previously held the same objection was premature because Tier 2 standards had not been promulgated; until they are, we observed, the EPA's decision to regulate foreign vessels would have no practical effect upon the emissions standards to which those vessels are subject. Id. The Extension Rule reaffirms the EPA's commitment to decide this issue when it issues Tier 2 standards. 72 Fed.Reg. at 68,522/3. Deferring resolution of the issue until it will have an effect remains reasonable and the petitioners' objection therefore remains premature.