Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (USA) August 2nd, 1990: Committee of HOR and senate propose final bill for approval August 4th, 1990: Both chambers pass bill in identical form Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (USA) August 19th, 1990: Bill signed by POTUS Nov. 19, 1989: bill passed by the Senate, with revisions. Nov. 9, 1989: bill passed in the House of Rep’s March 16, 1989: OPA introduced for enactment. By Matthew Tarasen

Summary The Oil Pollution Act was passed by the 101st US Congress, and signed by President George H.W Bush, to mitigate and prevent civil liability from the future oil spills off the coast of the United States The law stated that companies must have a plan to prevent spills that may occur and have a detailed containment and cleanup plan for oil spills. It works to avoid oil spills from vessels and facilities

Agency/Group Responsible The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 has strengthened EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic oil spills. The OPA requires oil storage facilities and vessels to submit to the Federal government plans detailing how they will respond to large discharges. EPA regulates aboveground storage facilities; Coast Guard regulates oil tankers