Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73

§476 Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters

Title 33 › Chapter CHAPTER 10— - ANCHORAGE GROUNDS AND HARBOR REGULATIONS GENERALLY › § 476

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Starting October 18, 1977, federal officials may not approve permits to build, change, or expand terminals, docks, or similar facilities in or next to Puget Sound—or in Washington waters east of Port Angeles—if the work would let those places handle more crude oil than they did on that date. The only exception is crude oil that will be refined for use in Washington. Congress made this rule because Puget Sound is fragile and at risk from more tanker traffic and spills.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §476

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(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.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 476

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73