Americas News
U.S. Senator Introduces New Oil Spill Bill
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski Wednesday introduced the Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2016, which she says would amend the current standing 1990 Oil Pollution Act (OPA) to "protect" U.S. taxpayers against the cost of oil spills - including bunkers - in U.S. waters from foreign sources.
At present, foreign parties responsible for a spill that spreads into U.S. waters can be fined only up to $1 billion in damages.
"The Foreign Spill Protection Act amends the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 by correcting a gap to make it possible to hold a foreign entity responsible for claims arising from pollution incidents," Murkowski explained.
"Sadly we know from personal experiences in Alaska just how devastating oil spills can be. As shipping and activity in the Arctic increases, we must ensure America's interests are protected."
The Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2016 defines a liable party for oil spills in areas "located seaward of the exclusive economic zone, including facilities located in, on, or under any land within a foreign country."
Commenting on the proposed legislation, Murkowski added: "our economy relies heavily on the health of our waters. This common-sense bill will make sure that those responsible for causing a spill are responsible for cleaning it up.
In April, Ship & Bunker reported that, following a bunker spill that was linked to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) vessel Istra Ace in March at the Port of Los Angeles, local citizens expressed concerns over how the spill was handled.
