The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 By David Balch

Signed into law in August in response to Exxon Valdez incident. Designed to improve nations ability to respond to oil spills by providing money and resources. Also created Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which can provide up to 1 billion dollars per spill. Places responsibility for spill and clean up costs on company that caused the incident Companies must have a plan to prevent spills that may occur and a detailed containment and cleanup plan.

States can enforce the act within navigable waters of the state. States also given $250,000 for removal of each spill. Penalties for spills were increased. Failure to notify proper agency of spill now results in a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for an individual. “States may impose additional liability (including unlimited liability), funding mechanisms, requirements for removal actions, and fines and penalties for responsible parties.” ( 2011)