Reading Room Document

Authority of the Secretary of the Interior under the Petroleum Import Restriction Program

The document discusses the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to split District I into three sub-districts and terminate import restrictions on residual fuel oil. The conclusion reached is that the Secretary does not have the authority to make these changes under section 2(d) of Proclamation No. 3279. The document also raises questions about the scope of a purported oral delegation given to the Secretary by the President, and whether the President has the authority to delegate the power to subdivide districts and terminate import restrictions. The document suggests that even if the strict letter of the law does not require it, it would be desirable to reduce any delegation to writing and publish it in the Federal Register to avoid questions about its validity.

April 5, 1965