T. Gorton: “environmental protection and states' rights were dealt a blow on March 6th, when the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case…”

“environmental protection and states' rights were dealt a blow on March 6th, when the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of United States vs. Locke. The Court, noting that even though federal and international laws ``may be insufficient protection,'' invalidated Washington laws, and potentially laws in eleven other states, that provide protections against spills by oil tankers. I disagree with the Court's decision, because I believe that Washington state should be allowed to protect its shores as it sees fit. That is why, today I am pleased to introduce the ``States Prevention of Oil Tanker Spills Act'' (SPOTS)-legislation that will reinstate the right of all states to adopt additional standards beyond existing federal requirements governing the operation, maintenance, equipment, personnel and manning of oil tankers. While this legislation will apply to all shoreline states, it is particularly important to Washington. Washington has always taken seriously its duty to protect the health and safety of its citizens, and has historically supported aggressive protections of its treasured natural resources, including Washington shorelines and waterways.”