Protection zone study

(a) Study The Commission, the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall jointly conduct a study on the benefits, costs, and feasibility of the establishment by the United States of submarine cable protection zones. (b) Consultation In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Commission, the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall consult with the Secretary of State on information with respect to submarine cable protection zones established by countries other than the United States. (c) Matters for analysis The study conducted under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of— (1) the submarine environment of the United States; (2) the commercial environment of the United States; (3) the regulatory environment of the United States; and (4) benefits, costs, and obstacles associated with the establishment by the United States of submarine cable protection zones. (d) Report Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission, the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).