HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SJM 8000

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                  Natural Resources & Parks

Brief Description:  Requesting that Congress extend the coastal states seaward boundaries.

Sponsor(s):  Senator Conner.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, March 29, 1991, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Beck, Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Morton; Riley; and Wynne.

Staff:  Randy Acker (786-7129).

Background:  At the present time, the state's waters extend to three miles from the shore.  The area between three miles and 12 miles is controlled by the United States government.

Summary of Bill:  The President of the United States and Congress are asked to amend the 1953 Federal Submerged Lands Act which grants states control of submerged lands. 

Events taking place beyond the state-controlled three-mile territorial limit have a profound effect on the coastal states, and an extension of the three-mile limit to 12 miles would be beneficial to the United States by creating additional enforcement capabilities.  Congress and the President are asked to amend legislation to extend the coastal states seaward boundaries from three miles to 12 miles.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This bill is consistent with the interests of other west coast states.  Beyond the current three mile limit the state has little control over what happens.  If Congress were to extend the coastal boundary, the state would have much greater control over such things as oil and gas exploration, mineral exploration and development, recreational activities, and off-shore dumping and incineration.  The proposal to Congress should include an element dealing with revenue sharing with other states.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Rod Mack, Department of Ecology (pro); Rich Littleton, Ocean Resources Systems (pro, but wants revenue sharing element included);  Judy Turpin, Washington Environmental Council (pro); and Jeff Parsons, National Audubon Society (pro).