CHAPTER 137

S.P. 205 - L.D. 596

An Act To Improve the Effectiveness of the Maine Coastal

and Inland Surface Oil Clean-up Fund

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

Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §551, sub-§1-B, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 720, §3, is amended to read:

1-B. Research and development. The Legislature may allocate not more than $100,000 $250,000 per annum of the amount currently in the fund to be devoted to research and development in the causes, effects and removal of pollution caused by oil, petroleum products and their by- products on the marine environment. Researchers receiving funds under this subsection shall use vessels based in this State as platforms when practicable. Such allocations must be made in accordance with section 555. This subsection takes effect July 1, 1996.