110 HR 5536 IH: To require the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe U.S. House of Representatives 2008-03-05 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5536 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 5, 2008 Mr. Allen (for himself and Mr. Gonzalez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To require the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales by limiting the speed of vessels, and for other purposes.

1.

Regulations to protect North Atlantic right whales from ship strikes

(a)

In general

Not later than 30 days after the earlier of the date of the enactment of this Act or June 1, 2008, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) by limiting the speed of vessels. (b)

Incorporation of proposed rule

The regulations required by subsection (a) shall— (1)incorporate the whale protection measures contained in the proposed rule entitled Endangered Fish and Wildlife; Proposed Rule to Implement Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales (71 Fed. Reg. 36299; June 26, 2006); and (2)provide the same or greater level of protection against collisions with vessels.