Under the VGP restrictions, how many states and lands are referenced as potentially having additional restrictions?

• A. 14 states
• B. All 50 states
• C. 28 states
• D. 28 states and some Indian Country Lands

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that federal permits sometimes point to additional, jurisdiction-specific restrictions that can apply beyond the baseline requirements. In the case of the Vessel General Permit, certain states and some Indian Country Lands are identified as potentially having extra restrictions the operator must follow.

The best answer reflects that nuance: there are 28 states plus some Indian Country Lands where additional restrictions may apply. This acknowledges that tribal lands can have their own environmental rules in addition to state rules, and that not all states or areas are uniform in their requirements.

So, the takeaway is to check both the federal VGP and any state or tribal rules for the areas where you’ll operate, since those jurisdictions may impose extra restrictions.