The Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) approved proposed Chapter 600 vessel operating regulations by a vote of five to one, with one abstention. Chapter 600 regulations address the operation of both oil terminal facilities and vessels transporting oil on state waterways. The regulations will be forwarded to the Attorney General for review and compliance with the state's Administrative Procedures Act. If the Attorney General approves the regulations, they will be sent to the Secretary of State's office for certification. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection, proponent of the regulations, asserted: the regulations will provide state representatives the opportunity to participate in oil spill prevention and response activities…