PETROLEUM TRANSPORTATION.

SEC. 311. PETROLEUM TRANSPORTATION. (a) Definitions.— In this section: (1) First coast guard district.— The term “First Coast Guard District” means the First Coast Guard District described in section 3.05–1(b) of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. (2) Secretary.— The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (3) Waters of the northeast.— The term “waters of the Northeast”— (A) means the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the First Coast Guard District; and (B) includes the waters of Long Island Sound. (b) Regulations Relating to Waters of the Northeast.— (1) Towing vessel and barge safety for waters of the northeast.— (A) In general.— Not later than December 31, 1998, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations for towing vessel and barge safety for the waters of the Northeast. (B) Incorporation of recommendations.— (i) In general.— Except as provided in clause (ii), the regulations promulgated under this paragraph shall give full consideration to each of the recommendations for regulations contained in the report entitled “Regional Risk Assessment of Petroleum Transportation in the Waters of the Northeast United States” issued by the Regional Risk Assessment Team for the First Coast Guard District on February 6, 1997, and the Secretary shall provide a detailed explanation if any recommendation is not adopted. (ii) Excluded recommendations.— The regulations promulgated under this paragraph shall not incorporate any recommendation referred to in clause (i) that relates to anchoring or barge retrieval systems. (2) Anchoring and barge retrieval systems.— (A) In general.— Not later than November 30, 1998, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations under section3719 of title 46, United States Code, for the waters of the Northeast, that shall give full consideration to each of the recommendations made in the report referred to in paragraph (l)(B)(i) relating to anchoring and barge retrieval systems, and the Secretary shall provide a detailed explanation if any recommendation is not adopted. 112 STAT. 3424 (B) Rule of construction.— Nothing in subparagraph (A) prevents the Secretary from promulgating interim final regulations that apply throughout the United States relating to anchoring and barge retrieval systems that contain requirements that are as stringent as the requirements of the regulations promulgated under subparagraph (A).