§ 46-17.3-1 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 46-17.3-1

   § 46-17.3-1  Legislative findings. –The general assembly finds that:

   (1) The waters of the state are a precious, irreplaceableresource essential to the environment, commerce, and recreation of citizens andtourists of the state;

   (2) Non-indigenous aquatic species introduced into waters ofthe United States from ballast water have caused tremendous environmental andecological damage, displacing native species, degrading water quality, andinterfering with commerce, including the zebra mussel brought into the GreatLakes and the upper Susquehanna River;

   (3) Ballast water practices of commercial shipping vesselsmay cause irreversible damage to waters of the state; and

   (4) Protective measures against the introduction ofnon-indigenous aquatic species from ballast water are necessary to minimizeexposure of the waters of the state to unwanted contamination and damage causedby these species.