OIL TRANSFERS FROM VESSELS.

SEC. 702. OIL TRANSFERS FROM VESSELS.(a) Regulations.—Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to reduce the risks of oil spills in operations involving the transfer of oil from or to a tank vessel. The regulations—124 STAT. 2981 (1) shall focus on operations that have the highest risks of discharge, including operations at night and in inclement weather;(2) shall consider—(A) requirements for the use of equipment, such as putting booms in place for transfers, safety, and environmental impacts;(B) operational procedures such as manning standards, communications protocols, and restrictions on operations in high-risk areas; or(C) both such requirements and operational procedures; and(3) shall take into account the safety of personnel and effectiveness of available procedures and equipment for preventing or mitigating transfer spills.(b) Application With State Laws.—The regulations promulgated under subsection (a) do not preclude the enforcement of any State law or regulation the requirements of which are at least as stringent as requirements under the regulations (as determined by the Secretary) that—(1) applies in State waters; and(2) does not conflict with, or interfere with the enforcement of, requirements and operational procedures under the regulations.