Five state courts of last resort have held to the contrary. Although this case is of obvious importance to automobile manufacturers, the preemption questions raised here have significant implications for all businesses subject to substantial federal regulation. If Geier's position prevails, state juries will obtain broader ability to second-guess the judgments of Congress and expert federal agencies on matters of national concern in a national economy. That would subject manufacturers to an increased range of product liability suits with the attendant risks of massive compensatory and punitive damages liability. Preemption State Regulation of Oil Tankers .
Tankers also are subject to various international obligations of the United States.
The Supreme Court consolidated and granted certiorari in United States v. Locke , No. The OPA regulates a variety of issues relating to oil tanker personnel, operations, design and construction. The PWSA directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations governing the design, construction, operation, personnel qualification, and staffing of vessels. In addition, the United States has ratified several international conventions setting standards for oil tankers and requiring acceptance within United States ports of tankers certified in compliance with those conventions. The BAP regulations address such matters as operating procedures, drug and alcohol testing and reporting, crew training policies, and language proficiency requirements.