The Oil Pollution Act of 1990

By: Kevin Lee (Period 1)

Name: Oil Pollution Act (OPA)Draft Year: 1990 Amendment Year: Never AmendedInternational / National

Why was the OPA created?

Reason for Initiation: In response to rising public concern following the Exxon Valdez incident (Largely to prevent oil spills, and alleviate fast if occurs.)

Effect on Environment: Improved the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to oil spills by establishing provisions that expand the federal government’s ability, and provide the money and resources necessary, to respond to oil spills.

More Information about OPA

The OPA helps regulate oil spills by:

1. Setting new requirements for vessel construction and crew licensing and manning,2. Mandating contingency planning,3. Enhancing federal response capability,4. Broadening enforcement authority,5. Increasing penalties,6. Creating new research and development programs,7. Increasing potential liabilities, 8. Significantly broadening financial responsibility requirements.

The OPA is regulated by:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

U.S. Coast Guard