HR 551 · 95th Congress · Environmental Protection

Fuel Discharge Act

Introduced 1977-01-04· Sponsored by Rep. Metcalfe, Ralph H. [D-IL-1]· House

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
House Vote
4
Senate
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.(1977-01-04)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] 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 w…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only