SB 5578 - DIGEST

Creates new requirements designed to reduce the current, acute risk from existing infrastructure and activities of an oil spill that could: (1) Eradicate our southern resident killer whales;

(2) Violate the treaty fishing rights of federally recognized Indian tribes;

(3) Damage commercial fishing prospects;

(4) Undercut many aspects of the economy that depend on the Salish Sea; and

(5) Harm the health and well-being of residents.

Declares an intent to spur international discussions among federal, state, provincial, and industry leaders in the United States and Canada to develop an agreement for the shared funding of an emergency rescue tug available to vessels in distress in the narrow Straits of the San Juan Islands and other boundary waters.