BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 614
Author: Simitian (D)
Amended: 4/13/09
Vote: 21
SENATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE : 7-0, 4/20/09
AYES: Simitian, Runner, Ashburn, Corbett, Hancock,
Lowenthal, Pavley
SUBJECT : Vessels: California Clean Coast Act
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill revises provisions of the California
Clean Coast Act by (1) repealing the current definition for
"marine waters of the state" and adding a new definition to
be "waters within the area" bordered by the mean high tide
line to the three-mile state waters limit and from the
Oregon border to the Mexican border, and (2) clarifying
that a vessel is engaged in innocent passage when operating
in "marine waters of the state" rather than "state waters."
ANALYSIS : SB 771 (Simitian), Chapter 588, Statutes of
2005, enacted the California Clean Coast Act (Act). The
Act consolidated various requirements relating to releases
from large passenger vessels, and applied those
requirements to oceangoing ships under certain conditions.
The Act applies to those vessels operating in "marine
waters of the state," yet the definition of that term in
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the Act contains a cross-reference to a Water Code
definition that does not include a definition for that
term. This bill adds a clear definition for that term
The Act exempts vessels engaged in innocent passage if
operating in "state waters." However, since the Act
applies to vessels operating in "marine waters of the
state." This bill also provides that this exemption
appropriately applies to vessels operating in "marine
waters of the state" rather than "state waters."
Related legislation
AB 121 (Simitian), Chapter 488, Statutes of 2003, prohibits
owners or operators of large passenger vessels from
releasing sewage sludge and oily bilgewater into state
marine waters and marine sanctuaries under certain
conditions.
AB 471 (Simitian), Chapter 706, Statutes of 2004, prohibits
cruise ship onboard incineration within three miles of the
California coast.
AB 906 (Nakano), Chapter 494, Statutes of 2003, prohibits
the release of hazardous waste and "other waste" ( i.e. ,
photography lab chemicals, dry cleaning chemicals, medical
waste) from large passenger vessels into state marine
waters and marine sanctuaries under certain conditions.
AB 2093 (Nakano), Chapter 710, Statutes of 2004, prohibits
a large passenger vessel owner or operator from releasing
graywater into state marine waters if certain conditions
are met.
AB 2672 (Simitian), Chapter 764, Statutes of 2004,
prohibits a large passenger vessel owner or operator from
releasing sewage into state marine waters if certain
conditions are met.
SB 771 (Simitian), Chapter 588, Statutes of 2005, enacted
the California Clean Coast Act that consolidated the above
provisions under the Act, applied the requirements to
oceangoing ships with certain conditions and reporting
requirements, and made various other related amendments.
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SB 497 (Simitian), Chapter 292, Statutes of 2006, revised
spill notification procedures and clarified certain terms.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
DLW:do 4/22/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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