article: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Great Lakes Ecology Protection Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. BALLAST WATER TREATMENT REGULATIONS REQUIRED. (a) In General.--Section 1101(b) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 4711(b)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes. ``(2) Contents of the regulations.--The regulations required by paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) ensure to the maximum extent practicable that ballast water containing aquatic nuisance species is not discharged into the Great Lakes; ``(B) protect the safety of each vessel, its crew, and passengers, if any; ``(C) apply to all vessels capable of discharging ballast water, whether equipped with ballast water tank systems of otherwise, that enter the Great Lakes after operating on waters beyond the exclusive economic zone; ``(D) require such vessels to-- ``(i) carry out any discharge or exchange of ballast water before entering the Great Lakes; or ``(ii) carry out any discharge or exchange of ballast water within the Great Lakes only in compliance with the regulations; ``(E) take into consideration different vessel operating conditions; ``(F) require the use of environmentally sound treatment methods for ballast water and ballast sediments, such as sterilization, in preventing and controlling infestations of aquatic nuisance species; ``(G) provide for certification by the master of each vessel entering the Great Lakes that such vessel is in compliance with the regulations; ``(H) assure compliance through-- ``(i) sampling procedures; ``(ii) inspection of records; and ``(iii) imposition of sanctions in accordance with subsection (g)(1); ``(I) be based on the best scientific information available; ``(J) not supersede or adversely affect any requirement or prohibition pertaining to the discharge of ballast water into the waters of the United States under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); and ``(K) include such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.''. (b) Sterilization Defined.--Section 1003 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 4702) is amended by-- (1) redesignating paragraphs (13), (14), (15), (16), and (17) in order as paragraphs (14), (15), (16), (17), and (18); and (2) inserting after paragraph (12) the following: ``(13) `sterilization' means the treatment of sediments in ballast water tanks to remove or destroy all living biological organisms through-- ``(A) filtration; ``(B) the application of biocides or ultraviolet light; or ``(C) thermal methods; ``(D) other treatment techniques approved by the Secretary;''. (c) Maximizing Public Participation in the Formulation of Required Regulations.--The Secretary of Transportation shall maximize public participation in the issuance of regulations required by the amendment made by subsection (a), by-- (1) publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking; (2) publishing the advance notice of proposed rulemaking and the proposed rule through means designed to reach persons likely to be subject to or affected by the regulations, including electronic means; (3) making the text of the advance notice of proposed rulemaking and of the proposed rule available through electronic means; (4) providing not less than 120 days for public comment on the proposed rule; (5) providing for an effective date that is not less than 30 days after the date of publication of the final rule; and (6) such other means as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Required Regulatory Schedule.-- (1) Issuance of advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--The Secretary shall issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the regulations required by the amendment made by subsection (a) within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Issuance of final regulations.--The Secretary shall issue final regulations required by the amendment made by subsection (a) within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
summary: Sets forth provisions requiring maximum public participation in, and advance notice of, proposed rulemaking with respect to such regulations.