Us Code § 476 - Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 476 — Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 476. Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters

(a) The Congress finds that—

(1) the navigable waters of Puget Sound in the State of Washington, and the natural resources therein, are a fragile and important national asset;

(2) Puget Sound and the shore area immediately adjacent thereto is threatened by increased domestic and international traffic of tankers carrying crude oil in bulk which increases the possibility of vessel collisions and oil spills; and

(3) it is necessary to restrict such tanker traffic in Puget Sound in order to protect the navigable waters thereof, the natural resources therein, and the shore area immediately adjacent thereto, from environmental harm.


(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after October 18, 1977, no officer, employee, or other official of the Federal Government shall, or shall have authority to, issue, renew, grant, or otherwise approve any permit, license, or other authority for constructing, renovating, modifying, or otherwise altering a terminal, dock, or other facility in, on, or immediately adjacent to, or affecting the navigable waters of Puget Sound, or any other navigable waters in the State of Washington east of Port Angeles, which will or may result in any increase in the volume of crude oil capable of being handled at any such facility (measured as of October 18, 1977), other than oil to be refined for consumption in the State of Washington.

(Pub. L. 95–136, §5, Oct. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1168.)

CHAPTER 11—BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.
491.
Approval of and deviation from plans; exemptions.
492.
Bridge as post route; limitation as to charges against Government; telegraph and telephone lines.
493.
Use of railroad bridges by other railroad companies.
494.
Obstruction of navigation; alterations and removals; lights and signals; draws.
494a.
Study of bridges over navigable waters.
495.
Violations of orders respecting bridges and accessory works.
496.
Time for commencement and completion of bridge.
497.
"Persons" defined.
498.
Reservation of right to alter or repeal.
498a, 498b. Repealed.
499.
Regulations for drawbridges.
500.
Deflection of current; liability to riparian owners.
501.
Omitted.
502.
Alteration, removal, or repair of bridge or accessory obstructions to navigation.
503 to 507. Repealed.
508.
Amount of tolls.

        

SUBCHAPTER II—ALTERATION OF BRIDGES

511.
Definitions.
512.
Obstruction of navigation.
513.
Notice, hearings, and findings.
514.
Submission and approval of general plans and specifications.
515.
Contracts for project; guaranty of cost.
516.
Apportionment of cost.
517.
Payment of share of United States.
518.
Authorization of appropriations.
519.
Noncompliance with orders; penalties; removal of bridge.
520.
Review of findings and orders.
521.
Regulations and orders.
522.
Existing provisions of law.
523.
Relocation of bridges.
524.
Applicability of administrative procedure provisions.

        

SUBCHAPTER III—GENERAL BRIDGE AUTHORITY

525.
Construction and operation of bridges.
526, 526a.
Repealed.
527.
Acquisition of interstate bridges by public agencies; amount of damages.
528.
Statement of construction costs of privately owned interstate bridges; investigation of costs; conclusiveness of findings; review.
529.
Repealed.
530.
Bridges included and excluded.
531.
International bridges.
532.
Eminent domain.
533.
Penalties for violations.
534.
Conveyance of right, title, and interest of United States in bridges transferred to States or political subdivisions; terms and conditions.

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES

535.
Congressional consent to construction, maintenance, and operation of international bridges; conditions of consent.
535a.
Congressional consent to State agreements with Canada and Mexico; Secretary of State's approval of agreements.
535b.
Presidential approval; recommendations of Federal officials.
535c.
Approval of Secretary; commencement and completion requirements; extension of time limits.
535d.
Permitting for international bridges.
535e.
Ownership.
535f.
Applicability of provisions.
535g.
Federal navigable waters and commerce jurisdiction unaffected.
535h.
Repealed.
535i.
Reservation of right to alter or repeal.

        

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Bridge Permits

Pub. L. 112–213, title VII, §712(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1582, provided that:

"(a) In General.—For the purposes of reviewing a permit application pursuant to section 9 of the Act of March 3, 1899, popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 401), the Act of March 23, 1906, popularly known as the Bridge Act of 1906 (33 U.S.C. 491 et seq.), the Act of June 21, 1940, popularly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act (33 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), or the General Bridge Act of 1946 (33 U.S.C. 525 et seq.), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may—

"(1) accept voluntary services from one or more owners of a bridge; and

"(2) accept and credit to Coast Guard operating expenses any amounts received from one or more owners of a bridge."

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

About This Section

33 U.S.C. § 476 is part of Title 33 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 33 U.S.C. § 476. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 476

What does United States Code § 476 cover?

Section 476 ("Restrictions on tanker traffic in Puget Sound and adjacent waters") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 476?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 476 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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