U.S. Coast Guard revises deepwater port regulations

U.S. Coast Guard revises deepwater port regulations    The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a temporary interim rule, effective Tuesday, updating regulations in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974.
   The new rule, which will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2006, also extends deepwater port regulations to natural gas deepwater ports, as authorized by Congress in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
   The Coast Guard noted, “this temporary interim rule has been issued without public notice and comment. We intend to issue a final rule after providing opportunity for public comment.”
   All comments should refer to docket number USCG-1998-3884 and must be submitted by July 5. To do so electronically, use https://dms.dot.gov. For more information, contact Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Tone, (202) 267-0226.