SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4014

BYRepresentatives Valle, Jones, Basich, Rust, Dorn and Spanel

Petitioning Congress to examine safety issues and boat construction regarding marine transportation of oil.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Bauer, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 24, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The federal Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) regulates the design, construction, operation and movement of bulk-cargo vessels that carry oil and hazardous substances.  Under the PWSA, the Secretary of Transportation is empowered to establish regulations for vessel design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, and operation.  The PWSA gives the Coast Guard the authority to control the movement of vessels in ports and in areas where hazardous conditions exist.  The Coast Guard may establish vessel routing plans and set vessel size, speed and operating conditions in hazardous areas or at times of adverse weather conditions, reduced visibility, or congested traffic.

The regulations adopted under the PWSA have been criticized as not being stringent enough to protect the marine environment from oil spills.  For example, current federal design standards do not require that vessels be double-hulled.

SUMMARY:

Congress is asked to study oil pollution and oil spills related to the marine transportation of oil.  Congress is also asked to enact legislation that assures greater protection of the marine environment.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 20, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Georgette Valle (pro)