What can the U.S. enforce in regards to Environmental codes in the Contiguous Zone?

The United States has the authority to enforce maritime pollution regulations in the Contiguous Zone, which extends twelve nautical miles from the baseline of its territorial sea. This zone allows the U.S. to implement laws aimed at preventing and controlling pollution of the marine environment. The primary focus is to protect the water quality and to prevent the discharge of harmful substances that could impact marine life and habitats.

This power is grounded in international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which recognizes the rights of coastal states to enforce certain regulations beyond their territorial waters. By ensuring compliance with maritime pollution regulations, the U.S. can address issues such as illegal dumping and manage the impacts of ships operating in these waters.

On the other hand, while sustainable fishing practices may be related to environmental concerns, they fall under the management of fisheries and do not specifically pertain to pollution control within the Contiguous Zone. Likewise, nationwide waste management and coastal development approvals are typically handled through national legislation and local governance rather than through enforcement measures in the Contiguous Zone, where the emphasis is on pollution prevention and maritime activities.