Deepwater Port Act

Summary

Deepwater Port Act - Declares the purposes of this Act, including to authorize and regulate the location, ownership, construction, and operation of deepwater port in waters beyond the territorial limits of the United States. Defines the terms used in this Act. States that no person may engage in the ownership, construction or operation of a deepwater port except in accordance with a license issued pursuant to this Act. Sets forth: (1) the prerequisites for issuance of such licenses; (2) procedures for port evaluation; (3) the conditions of licenses; (4) the procedures for transfer, terms and renewal of licenses; and (5) the eligibility for licenses. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to: (1) issue regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act; and (2) prescribe regulations for site evaluation and preconstruction testing at potential deepwater port locations which may adversely affect the environment, interfere with uses of the Outer Continental Shelf or pose a threat to human health and welfare. Sets forth the minimum data required on applications filed under this Act and requires publication of a description of each application area in the Federal Register. Requires the filing of environmental impact statements and public hearings prior to the issuance of a license under this Act. Lists the priorities to be considered by the Secretary in issuing such licenses. Calls for the establishment of environmental review criteria to be used in the evaluation of a deepwater port as proposed in an application. Provides for an antitrust review of licenses. States that a deepwater port shall be subject to regulation as a common carrier in accordance with the Interstate Commerce Act. Provides that the Secretary shall not issue a license without the approval of the Governor of each and any adjacent coastal State. Requires a coastal zone management program to be developed by such States prior to the issuance of a license. Provides for regulations and procedures for marine environmental protection and navigational safety. Empowers the Secretary of State to seek international action and cooperation in support of the policies of this Act. Provides procedures for the suspension and termination of licenses. Sets forth the recordkeeping and inspection requirements of each licensee, providing for public access to specified information. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes citizen civil actions in enumerated instances. States that the discharge of oil or natural gas into the marine environment from a vessel within any safety zone or from a deepwater port is prohibited. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this prohibition and liability for cleanup costs and damages. Establishes the Deepwater Port Liability Fund to be liable for all cleanup costs and damages in excess of the maximum liabilities of vessel owners and operators and licensees. Calls for a study of the methods for implementing a uniform law providing liability for cleanup costs and damages from oil spills from Outer Continental Shelf operations. Authorizes to be appropriated for the administration of this Act $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975, 1976 and 1977.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 2 October 1974

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 2 October 1974

  Open at official source

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