Number: 1977-16
WHEREAS, several catastrophic oil and chemical spills or leaks in marine waters have occurred in recent months; and
WHEREAS, catastrophic oil and chemical spills or leaks many occur in waters beyond and within the jurisdiction of a coastal state; and
WHEREAS, spills may be harmful to the resources of the state or adjacent states or to those in other countries; and
WHEREAS, the states have the primary responsibility and authority to prevent pollution of their waters; and
WHEREAS, federal agencies work with state agencies in controlling oil and chemicals spills inside territorial waters;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in Annual Meeting assembled March 24‑27, 1977 in Washington, D.C., hereby urges that state and federal agencies vested with the authority take command in the direction of operations to control a spill of oil, petroleum products, or chemicals in coastal and inland waters to prevent or minimize damage to marine and freshwater species which include all fish which usually inhabit salt water and fresh water and all shellfish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, clams, marine worms, marine and freshwater vegetation, all forms of wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in state waters; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the designated state and federal agencies should be authorized to take vigorous steps to contain organic wastes, chemical and toxic substances that are identified and recognized as having a profound effect on fish and wildlife.