The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the temporary waiver of compliance with coastwise trade restrictions to assist in the recovery from the effects of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. The coastwise trade laws have been waived, until 12:01 a.m., October 24, 2005, for transportation of petroleum and refined petroleum products from one U.S. port to another U.S. port. The earlier waiver of coastwise trade laws for transportation of petroleum released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve undertaken in response to
Hurricane Katrina has been extended to include circumstances arising from Hurricane Rita. These actions were found to be necessary in the interest of national defense. 70 Fed. Reg. 57611 (HK Law)