ANALYSIS OF HB 2012

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                               February 25, 1999

   Prohibiting the passage of certain oil tankers inside of certain United States waters.

BACKGROUND:

Oil tankers greater than 125,000 deadweight tons are prohibited from proceeding in state waters east of a line extending between Discovery Island (Canada) and New Dungeness (Sequim).

Oil tankers which weigh between 40,000 and 125,000 deadweight tons may proceed beyond the line if the tankers possess: a specified horsepower ratio; twin screws; a double bottom; two radar systems, one of which is a collision avoidance radar; and other prescribed navigational position location systems.  These tankers may also proceed if they are Ain ballast@ or under the escort of a tug or tugs possessing an adequate horsepower ratio.

SUMMARY:

The line at which oil tankers greater than 125,000 deadweight tons are prohibited from entering into state waters is moved westward to a line extending between Bonilla Point on Vancouver Island and Tatoosh Island.