33 U.S.C. § 1501 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 33. Navigation and Navigable Waters § 1501. Congressional declaration of policy

(1) authorize and regulate the location, ownership, construction, and operation of deepwater ports in waters beyond the territorial limits of the United States;

(2) provide for the protection of the marine and coastal environment to prevent or minimize any adverse impact which might occur as a consequence of the development of such ports;

(3) protect the interests of the United States and those of adjacent coastal States in the location, construction, and operation of deepwater ports;

(4) protect the rights and responsibilities of States and communities to regulate growth, determine land use, and otherwise protect the environment in accordance with law;

(5) promote the construction and operation of deepwater ports as a safe and effective means of importing oil or natural gas into the United States and transporting oil or natural gas from the outer continental shelf  1 while minimizing tanker traffic and the risks attendant thereto; and

(6) promote oil or natural gas production on the outer continental shelf by affording an economic and safe means of transportation of outer continental shelf  1 oil or natural gas to the United States mainland.