33 U.S.C. § 476 : US Code - Section 476: Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters

Search 33 U.S.C. § 476 : US Code - Section 476: Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters

(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 traffic 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
October 18, 1977, 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
October 18, 1977), other than oil to be refined for consumption in
the State of Washington.