Oil Pollution Act Of 1990


The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) is a United States law that provides for the prevention and response to oil spills. This law was enacted in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, which resulted in significant environmental damage. The OPA holds oil transporters strictly liable for damages resulting from oil spills and requires them to demonstrate their ability to respond to such incidents. It also mandates the use of double-hull design for new oil tankers to reduce the risk of oil spills. The OPA further establishes a fund, financed by a tax on oil, to cover cleanup costs and damages when the responsible party is unable or unwilling to do so. The law also includes provisions for natural resource damage assessments, restoration, and compensation for affected parties. The OPA is enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency.


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