The International Maritime Organization adopted rules requiring low sulfur marine diesel fuel for any vessel entering or traversing the offshore waters within 230 miles of the coast of the United States and Canada. The two nations requested that the IMO adopt the rules. The rules take effect in 2012. The purpose of the rules is to reduce the climate change impact of marine fuels. The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO took the action, and adopted the rules as an amendment to the Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL). The action establishes the North American Emission Control Area. Northern Europe already had such controls.