Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) By: Casey Marshall Period 4 -On March 24, 1989, shortly after midnight, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling more than 11 million gallons of crude oil. The spill was the largest in U.S. history and tested the abilities of local, national, and industrial organizations to prepare for, and respond to, a disaster of such magnitude. -The Draft year began in This accident was the reason why the Oil Pollution Act was signed into law by George H. Bush -The Amendment Year: 1994 Under the Act, the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) was established. The office is responsible for implementing the Oil Pollution Act for onshore pipelines. Their objective is to decrease the potential for pipeline spills, diminish environmental consequences of spills, and ensure quick response and well- planned spill cleanup. Altogether further enhancement, and making it more stable.

The OPA improved the nation's ability to prevent and respond to oil spills by establishing provisions that expand the federal government's ability, and provide the money and resources necessary, to respond to oil spills. The OPA also created the national Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which is available to provide up to one billion dollars per spill incident.Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund The OPA also increased penalties for regulatory noncompliance, broadened the response and enforcement authorities of the Federal government, and preserved State authority to establish law governing oil spill prevention and response. Oil Spills are affecting the environment but by having the Oil Pollution act, this prevents spills from occurring. Therefore, protection the environment we live in.

The group that is responsible for this regulation and enforcement is the United States Congress. Pictured Below: The United States Congress In order to maintain and insure that our nation and environment remains protected they have enforced that A company cannot ship oil into the United States until it presents a plan to prevent spills that may occur. It must also have a detailed containment and cleanup plan in case of an oil spill emergency Pictured below: Exon Valdez Oil Spill