NC H780

Direct the Legislative Research Commission to study the economic impact of the Jones Act on North Carolina, including effects on fuel shipping, ports, beach nourishment, and waterway maintenance.

Examine how the Jones Act requirement that domestic coastwise trade use U.S.-built and flagged vessels has affected fuel terminals, petroleum distributors, and marketers in North Carolina.

Investigate the shortage of U.S.-flagged tankers available for transporting crude oil and petroleum products from the Gulf of Mexico to the East Coast and resulting cost increases.

Require an interim report to the General Assembly when it reconvenes in 2016 and a final report when the 2017 General Assembly convenes.

Take effect upon becoming law.