Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 6, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement by Gov. Gary Locke on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Intertanko vs. State of Washington

"The U.S. Supreme Court's decision is a major set-back for states that want to take prudent steps to prevent oil-spill catastrophes. Under this ruling, oil-spill protection for the entire nation will be set at the lowest common denominator, with no recognition that some marine habitats deserve a higher level of protection.

The Supreme Court admitted that the federal standards may not provide the necessary level of protection — and we absolutely agree. We intend to press Congress and the Administration to move quickly to compensate for the greater safety protections state regulation would have offered by substantially increasing Coast Guard funding and efforts to ensure safe shipping in the irreplaceable waters of Puget Sound."

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