SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8030

                As Passed Senate, March 9, 2000

Brief Description:  Petitioning Congress to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to grant additional authority to states and to strengthen federal tanker, large cargo, and passenger vessel safety standards.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Spanel, Swecker, Jacobsen, Eide, Morton, McAuliffe and Kline.

Brief History:

Passed Senate, 3/9/2000, 47-0.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background:  On March 6, 2000 the United States Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v. Locke that several provisions of the state's oil pollution prevention regulations are preempted by federal law.  The court also remanded eight other state issues to the federal district court for further analysis under the federal preemption analysis.

Summary of Bill:  Congress is requested to immediately amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to clarify that states are authorized to adopt safety measures of oil tankers, barges and cargo vessels, so long as the measures do not conflict with federal law.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requested to immediately strengthen its oil tanker safety standards.  The Coast Guard is requested to adopt measures similar to the provisions struck down by the Supreme Court.  The measures include crew training, accident reporting, navigation watch practices, and English-language proficiency for deck officers.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.