Which organization enforces U.S. pollution regulations for ships?

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is the organization responsible for enforcing pollution regulations for ships within U.S. waters. This encompasses overseeing and ensuring compliance with various environmental laws related to marine pollution. The USCG plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act, which set standards that prevent and respond to pollution incidents at sea.

The USCG’s enforcement powers include conducting inspections, monitoring compliance, and responding to pollution incidents, making it a vital agency in protecting marine environments from ship-related pollution. In contrast, while other organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also address environmental regulations, their enforcement focus is broader and not specifically aimed at marine transportation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) primarily investigates transportation accidents and has no enforcement authority related to pollution. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) deals mostly with the economic and operational aspects of maritime transportation rather than direct environmental enforcement. Hence, the distinct enforcement role of the USCG makes it the correct answer regarding U.S. pollution regulations for ships.