Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/1202

 91 STAT. 1168 33 USC 476.

PUBLIC LAW 95-136—OCT. 18, 1977 SEC. 5. (a) The Congress finds that— (1) the navigable waters of Puget Sound in the State of Washington, and the natural resources therein, are a fragile and important national asset; (2) Puget Sound and the shore area immediately adjacent thereto is threatened by increased domestic and international traiSc of tankers carrying crude oil in bulk which increases the possibility of vessel collisions and oil spills; and (3) it is necessary to restrict such tanker traffic in Puget Sound in order to protect the navigable waters thereof, the natural resources therein, and the shore area immediately adjacent thereto, from environmental harm. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after the date of enactment of this section, no officer, employee, or other official of the Federal Government shall, or shall have authority to, issue, renew, grant, or otherwise approve any permit, license, or other authority for constructing, renovating, modifying, or otherwise altering a terminal, dock, or other facility in, on, or immediately adjacent to, or affecting the navigable waters of Puget Sound, or any other navigable waters in the State of Washington east of Port Angeles, which will or may result in any increase in the volume of crude oil capable of being handled at any such facility (measured as of the date of enactment of this section), other than oil to be refined for consumption in the State of Washington. Approved October 18, 1977.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: HOUSE REPORT No. 95-336 accompanying H.R. 4740 (Comm. on Merchant Marine and Fisheries). SENATE REPORT No. 95-177 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, VoL 123 (1977): July 18, considered and passed Senate. Sept. 12, considered and passed House, amended, in heu of H.R. 4740. Oct. 4, Senate concurred in House amendment with amendments. Oct. 4, 5, House concurred in Senate amendments.

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