Short arm of the law.(implications of new anti-pollution rule on energy use of ships)

BYLINE: BY BILL MONGELLUZZO

An industry group says California is stretching its jurisdiction too far with a new anti-pollution rule that forces ships to burn low-sulfur marine distillate fuel within 24 miles of the state's coast.

Shipping lines that call at California ports quietly began following the new regulation when it took effect on Jan. 1. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, however, has asked a federal judge for an injunction blocking the new rules. In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, the PMSA contends that federal law restricts state jurisdiction to three miles.

Industry officials worry that the California Air …