ME
Maine Senate Bill LD563

Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD563

Introduced
2/9/23  
Refer
2/9/23  

Caption

An Act to Assert State Sovereignty over Ocean Waters up to 12 Nautical Miles off the State's Coast

Impact

If enacted, LD563 will have significant effects on state laws regarding the regulation of marine resources and environmental protections. By clearly delineating state jurisdiction over the specified ocean waters, the bill could affect how Maine manages its fishing, tourism, and conservation activities. This may empower state regulatory bodies to issue permits and licenses for resource harvesting, thereby enhancing the local economy through better-regulated access to marine resources. Notably, it may also have implications for federal and international interactions regarding marine resource governance.

Summary

LD563, also known as the Act to Assert State Sovereignty over Ocean Waters up to 12 Nautical Miles off the State's Coast, aims to define and assert the State of Maine's jurisdiction over ocean waters within a twelve nautical mile limit from its coastline. The bill emphasizes the state's ownership and control over the submerged lands and waters located within this boundary, aligning with international law standards and federal agreements. This measure reinforces the state's authority over the marine resources in these areas, seeking to empower state agencies to manage and protect these vital aquatic environments.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around LD563 appears to be mixed, with supporters emphasizing the need for state control to protect local interests and resources against federal overreach. Proponents argue that this bill would allow for better management of marine ecosystems and economic opportunities for local communities. Conversely, some opponents express concern that increasing state control could lead to conflicts with federal regulations or reduced collaboration in managing inter-jurisdictional marine issues.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding LD563 is the balance of power between state and federal jurisdictions in marine resource management. While supporters view the bill as a necessary assertion of state rights, critics warn that it could inadvertently complicate regulatory frameworks or lead to legal challenges regarding maritime boundaries. The potential for this bill to impact long-standing agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Canada, raises further concerns about its practical implications and the state's readiness to navigate these complexities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD553

An Act to Assert State Sovereignty over Ocean Waters and Marine Resources up to 12 Nautical Miles off the State's Coast

ME LD687

An Act to Assert State Ownership over Ocean Waters up to 12 Nautical Miles and Submerged Lands and Marine Resources up to 24 Nautical Miles off the State's Coast and to Direct the Attorney General to Study That Ownership

ME SB71

Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2023 This bill extends the customs waters territory of the United States. Under current law, customs waters means waters within four leagues of the coast of the United States. This bill revises the definition to include (1) the territorial sea of the United States to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 5928, dated December 27, 1988, that extended such limits to 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States; and (2) the contiguous zone of the United States to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 7219, dated September 2, 1999, that extended such limits to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States.

ME SB1717

Relating to the terminology used in statute, resolutions, rules, and other state publications to refer to the partially landlocked body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American continent.

ME HB2246

Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to the partially landlocked body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American continent.

ME S0417

Coastal Resources Management Council

ME SCR67

Memorializes Congress to pass legislation or adopt policies allowing Louisiana to manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery out to two hundred nautical miles off the coast of Louisiana.

ME H5174

Coastal Resources Management Council

ME S2928

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

ME H8148

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.