46 U.S.C. § 70034

1. (a)In accordance with section 553 of title 5, the Secretary shall issue, and may from time to time amend or repeal, regulations necessary to implement subchapters I through III and this subchapter.
2. (b)In the exercise of the regulatory authority under subchapters I through III and this subchapter, the Secretary shall consult with, and receive and consider the views of all interested persons, including—
   1. (1)interested Federal departments and agencies;
   2. (2)officials of State and local governments;
   3. (3)representatives of the maritime community;
   4. (4)representatives of port and harbor authorities or associations;
   5. (5)representatives of environmental groups;
   6. (6)any other interested persons who are knowledgeable or experienced in dealing with problems involving vessel safety, port and waterways safety, and protection of the marine environment; and
   7. (7)advisory committees consisting of all interested segments of the public when the establishment of such committees is considered necessary because the issues involved are highly complex or controversial.