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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 551 (95th)

Fuel Discharge Act

referredUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

4 January 1977

Last action

4 January 1977 · Introduced

Status

Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.

Sponsors

Rep. Metcalfe, Ralph H. [D-IL-1]

Subjects

Environment

Source updated

2 September 2025

Environment

Official sourceView documentsShare

Summary

Fuel Discharge Act - Title I: Discharge of Fuel - Prohibits discharges of fuel by vessels into the territorial seas of the United States. Prohibits discharges of fuel by United States vessels on the high seas. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibitions for discharges which are necessary for safety or emergency reasons, or which are less than ten gallons in quantity. Requires immediate reporting of any discharges to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, who shall monitor and analyze such discharges. Stipulates that such Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall enforce the provisions of this title. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation of the provisions of this Act. Imposes an additional penalty of up to $100,000 or five years imprisonment or both for knowing violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense. Authorizes civil suits by private parties to enforce provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of State to seek effective international cooperation to prohibit the discharge of fuel oils and petroleum products into the oceanic waters and high seas of the United States. Title II: Comprehensive Research on Discharging of Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish criteria for determining the impact of such discharges on human health, animal and plant life, and marine ecosystems.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 4 January 1977

    Introduced

    Referred to House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 4 January 1977

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 4 January 1977

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

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Documents

1 official file

Leesvertaling

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Sponsors

Related records

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Sources

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