What laws changed after Exxon Valdez oil spill?

And a very specific provision in the sweeping federal law: “Notwithstanding any other law, tank vessels that have spilled more than 1,000,000 gallons of oil into the marine environment after March 22, 1989, are prohibited from operating on the navigable waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska.” This statement in federal …

How did the Exxon Valdez oil spill affect laws?

Key Takeaways. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 expanded the power of federal agencies to prevent and punish mass oil spills. It was passed by the U.S. Congress in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 as an amendment to the Clean Water Act of 1972.

What does Congress now require after the Valdez oil spill from the oil industry?

In the wake of the Exxon Valdez disaster, the U.S. Congress passed a law, in 1990, that required oil tankers in U.S. waters to have double hulls (unlike that fateful ship) and increased penalties for spills.

What organization was formed after the Exxon Valdez spill and what is its purpose?

Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI): Established by Congress in response to the Exxon Valdez spill, OSRI works to identify and develop the best available techniques, equipment, and materials for responding to oil spills in the Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environment.

What is the government doing about oil spills?

The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 streamlined and strengthened EPA’s ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic oil spills. A trust fund financed by a tax on oil is available to clean up spills when the responsible party is incapable or unwilling to do so.

What does the government do to prevent oil spills?

The Federal Government has the responsibility to respond to oil spills pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), the Oil Pollution Act, and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP).

Who enforces the oil spill Prevention and Liability Act?

EPA Enforcement EPA’s enforcement authorities for OPA violations reside in CWA §311(e) and §311(c).

Why the US did passed a law on oil pollution act?

One reason Congress enacted the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) was to reduce the occurrence of oil spills through preventive measures and to reduce the impact of future oil spills through increased preparedness. Section 4115 of the act requires that tankers operating in U.S. waters must have double hulls.

What international convention was created after the grounding incident of M T Exxon Valdez?

comprehensive marine pollution prevention rules (MARPOL)
This disaster resulted in International Maritime Organization introducing comprehensive marine pollution prevention rules (MARPOL) through various conventions.

What are the lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

Lessons from Exxon Valdez, 25 years later

  • Oil spill “cleanup” is a myth.
  • Oil spills can cause long-term environmental damage.
  • Oil spill restoration is impossible.
  • Officials habitually understate spill risk, size, and impact.
  • Prevention is key.
  • Oversight by the public is critical.
  • Liability motivates safety.

What is the federal government’s plan for responding to oil spills and hazardous substance releases?

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, more commonly called the National Contingency Plan or NCP, is the federal government’s blueprint for responding to both oil spills and hazardous substance releases.

Which government agency is responsible for oil spills?

Oil spills that occur in coastal waters are the responsibility of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) while the Environmental Protection Agency covers inland oil spills.