2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 12 - Conservation
Chapter 17 - Oil Spill Prevention and Pollution Control
§ 713. Emergency proclamation; Governor's powers
(1) Whenever any disaster or catastrophe exists or appears imminent, arising from the discharge of oil, petroleum products or their by-products, or any other pollutants, the Governor shall by proclamation declare the fact and that an emergency exists in any or all sections of the territory.
(2) In performing his duties under this section, the Governor is authorized and directed to cooperate with all departments and agencies of the Federal Government, the offices and agencies of other territories, states and foreign countries and the political subdivisions thereof, and private agencies in all matters pertaining to a disaster or catastrophe.
(3) In performing his duties under this section, the Governor is further authorized and empowered:
(a) To make, amend and rescind the necessary orders, rules and regulations to carry out this section within the limits of the authority conferred upon him and not inconsistent with the rules, regulations and directives of the President of the United States or of any federal department or agency having specifically authorized emergency functions.
(b) To delegate any authority vested in him under this section and to provide for the subdelegation of any such authority.
(4) Whenever the Governor is satisfied that an emergency no longer exists, he may terminate the proclamation by another proclamation affecting the sections of the territory covered by the original proclamation, or any part thereof. The proclamation shall be published in such newspapers of the territory and posted in such places as the Governor, or any person acting in that capacity, deems appropriate.
