Environmentalists have long complained that ships cause serious environmental damage with diesel fuel that has over 2000 times the sulfur content of car diesel. Now, a U.S. study estimates that as many as 60,000 people die each year from the pollution, particularly in coastal areas.

This is a powerful industry that makes federal enforcement difficult politically in a Congress that remains highly responsive to industry demands. It is also an international problem, adding to enforcement problems. The hardest hit cities are Hong Kong and large port areas. For the full story, click here