Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Extension Act of 1988

Summary

Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone Extension Act of 1988 - Title I: Establishment of 12-Mile Territorial Sea and 24-Mile Contiguous Zone - Establishes a 12-mile territorial sea of the United States consisting of the water, the seabed and subsoil, and the airspace above the water. Declares that U.S. sovereignty exists in accordance with international law over such areas. Establishes a 24-mile contiguous zone of the United States (the first 12 miles of which is the territorial sea) consisting of the water, the seabed and subsoil, and the airspace above the water. Declares that the United States has authority to conduct activities in the zone relating to U.S. customs, fiscal immigration, and sanitary laws. Declares that: (1) except for laws enacted after enactment of this Act, nothing in this title affects the application of State laws, or the exercise of authority by a State under Federal law, with respect to the territorial sea or the contiguous zone; and (2) nothing in this title affects any agreement in effect between the United States and a foreign country and the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. Title II: Establishment of National Oceans Policy Commission - Establishes the National Oceans Policy Commission (the Commission), composed of 17 members to be appointed by the President, including at least two marine scientists. Requires the Commission to have eight congressional advisors to advise the Commission in the formulation of findings and recommendations. Requires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to also advise the Commission. Directs the Commission to propose to the President and the Congress a comprehensive national oceans policy to carry out the purposes set forth in this Act, including promoting the conservation of marine resources and the peaceful use of the oceans. Directs the Commission to develop recommendations on the international and domestic ocean policies, laws, regulations, and activities of the United States that will define and implement the territorial sea and the contiguous zone established by title I and other aspects of the comprehensive policy. Outlines further considerations concerning development of such recommendations, including surveys of Federal ocean-related activities and reviews of marine facilities. Outlines powers of the Commission and other administrative provisions. Directs the Commission, no later than two years after it first meets, to submit simultaneously to the President and to each House of the Congress a final report on the comprehensive oceans policy and the recommendations developed under this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report is submitted. Authorizes appropriations.

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Documents

2 official files

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 6 October 1988

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 14 July 1988

  Open at official source

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