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Ray v. Atlantic Richfield Co.

435 U.S. 151 (1978)

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Ray v. Atlantic Richfield Co.

United States Supreme Court
435 U.S. 151 (1978)

AR

Facts

The Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 largely controlled navigation in Puget Sound, a body of water along the State of Washington. The federal act also imposed design and operating characteristics on oil tankers. The State of Washington passed a law regulating the design and operating characteristics of oil tankers in Puget Sound. If a tanker did not meet the state’s design characteristics, it had to utilize tug escorts while operating in Puget Sound. Atlantic Richfield Co. (Atlantic) (plaintiff) sued, arguing that the federal act preempted stated law. The court ruled in Atlantic’s favor, and the State of Washington appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (White, J.)

Dissent (Marshall, J.)

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