Whereas, this bill is intended to reduce safety risks in harbors resulting from unskilled navigation, protect shoreline environment and wildlife from the risk of spills in harbors and protect harbor economies and the fishing industry from safety risks and environmental risks; and

Whereas, in light of the imminent safety, environmental and economic risks, it is essential to authorize the Maine State Pilotage Commission to implement the legislation and proceed with rulemaking as soon as possible; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-A, sub-§40, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 786, §5, is amended to read:

40. Maine State Not Autho- 38 MRSA §89

Pilotage Commission rized

Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §85, as amended by PL 1985, c. 389, §32, is further amended to read:

§85. Declaration of policy

It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Legislature and the purpose of this section and sections 86 to 106 subchapter to provide for a system of state pilotage in order to provide maximum safety from the dangers of navigation for vessels entering or leaving the waters described in this subchapter, to maintain a state pilotage system devoted to the preservation and protection of lives, property, the environment and vessels entering or leaving these waters at the highest standard of efficiency and to insure an adequate supply of pilots well qualified for the discharge of their duties in aid of commerce and navigation.

Sec. 3. 38 MRSA §85-A, as amended by PL 1997, c. 727, Pt. C, §17, is repealed.

Sec. 4. 38 MRSA §85-B is enacted to read: