SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SJM 8000

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1991

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

SPONSORS:Senator Conner.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Conner, Owen, Patterson, Snyder, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates:February 19, 1991

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:

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.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Anything the states can to do increase their control over offshore resources would be of benefit.  Local control by the states would better protect the environment.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jeff Pasons, National Audubon Society (pro); Rich Littelton, Ocean Resource Systems (pro)