PUBLIC LAW 96-320—AUG. 3, 1980 tion. In the case of components lying on or below the seabed, the Administrator may waive the disposal or removal requirements if he finds that such removal is not otherwise necessary and that the remaining components do not constitute any threat to the environment, navigation, fishing, or other uses of the seabed. (e) Upon application, a license issued under this Act may be transferred if the Administrator determines that such transfer is in the public interest and that the transferee meets the requirements of this Act and the prerequisites to issuance under subsection (c) of this section. (f) Any United States citizen who otherwise qualifies under the terms of this Act shall be eligible to be issued a license for the ownership, construction, and operation of an ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship. (g) Licenses issued under this Act shall be for a term of not to exceed 25 years. Each licensee shall have a preferential right to renew his license subject to the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, upon such conditions and for such term, not to exceed an additional 10 years upon each renewal, as the Administrator determines to be reasonable and appropriate. SEC. 102. PROCEDURE.
(a) The Administrator shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the heads of other Federal agencies, issue regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act, in accordance with the provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to subsection (a) thereof. Such regulations shall pertain to, but need not be limited to, application for issuance, transfer, renewal, suspension, and termination of licenses. Such regulations shall provide for full consultation and cooperation with all other interested Federal agencies and departments and with any potentially affected coastal State, and for consideration of the views of any interested members of the general public. The Administrator is further authorized, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this Act, to amend or rescind any such regulation. The Administrator shall complete issuance of final regulations to implement this Act within 1 year of the date of its enactment. (b) The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may, if he determines it to be necessary, prescribe regulations consistent with the purposes of this Act, relating to those activities in site evaluation and preconstruction testing at potential ocean thermal energy conversion facility or plantship locations that may (1) adversely affect the environment; (2) interfere with other reasonable uses of the high seas or with authorized uses of the Outer Continental Shelf; or (3) pose a threat to human health and safety. If the Administrator prescribes regulations relating to such activities, such activities may not be undertaken after the effective date of such regulations except in accordance therewith. (c) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of the Interior, the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the heads of any other Federal departments or agencies having expertise concerning, or jurisdiction over, any aspect of the construction or operation of ocean thermal energy conversion facilities or plantships, shall transmit to the Administrator written description of their
94 STAT. 979
License transfer.
License term and renewal.
42 USC. 9112. Regulations.
Consultation.
Expertise or statutory responsibility descriptions.
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