Definition

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed by the 101st United States Congress and signed by President George H. W. Bush. It works to avoid oil spills from vessels and facilities by enforcing removal of spilled oil and assigning liability for the cost of cleanup and damage, requires specific operating procedures; defines responsible parties and financial liability; implements processes for measuring damages; specifies damages for which violators are liable; and establishes a fund for damages, cleanup, and removal costs. This statute has resulted in instrumental changes in the oil production, transportation, and distribution industries.

What is 'Oil Pollution Act Of 1990'

A law that caps civil liability for oil spills caused by tankers and drilling vessels in the United States' territorial waters. The passage of the law was prompted by the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, where Exxon was held liable for billions in civil damages. The bill enjoyed popular support at its passage.

Explaining 'Oil Pollution Act Of 1990'

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 caps BP's civil liability for the Deepwater Horizon spill at $75 million. The law forces companies to have a "place to prevent spills that may occur". The House passed the bill with a vote of 375-5, and it was passed in the Senate by a voice vote.

Further Reading

Financial responsibility rules under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
heinonline.org [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Liability, Compensation, and Financial Responsibility Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990: A Review of the Second Decade
heinonline.org [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Protection of marine resources: the US Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the future of the maritime industry
www.sciencedirect.com [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990: Key Provisions and Implications
www.ioscproceedings.org [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Maritime oil pollution: an empirical analysis
link.springer.com [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Financial caps for oil pollution damage: a historical mistake?
www.sciencedirect.com [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Compensation for Oil Pollution Damages: the American Oil Pollution Act as an Example for Global Solutions?
books.google.com [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …

Global compensation for oil pollution damages: The innovations of the American Oil Pollution Act
ageconsearch.umn.edu [PDF]
… Google Scholar. 74 Russ BanhamP&I Clubs resist rules under Oil Pollution Act. Journal of Commerce (4 … October 1992), p. 30. Transportation. Google Scholar. 77 Decline listed for spills off the … at #10. 97 The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1969 …