Hearing on Oil Spills from Non-Tank Vessels
On December 18, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries & Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a hearing on Oil Spills from Non-Tank Vessels. Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) noted the success of OPA 90 in reducing spills from tank vessels, but noted that the incidence of spills from non-tank vessels have not declined as much, asking whether standards for these vessels should be strengthened. Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant, US Coast Guard, discussed efforts to make fuel tanks on vessels less susceptible to damage and proposed increasing the limit of liability for damages caused by oil spills from non-tank vessels. Ms.
Washington State to Establish Advisory Council
The Washington Legislature adopted Senate Bill 5432 to establish an independent oil spill advisory council, reporting directly to the Governor. The council, consisting of members of environmental organizations, fishing interests, the marine trades, marine labor, and oil companies, among others, will advise the Governor on matters relating to oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response. The legislation now goes to the Governor for signature. (HK Law)
Contract Signed for Winter Rescue Tug Coverage
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Crowley Maritime Corp. agreed to continue a contract stationing a company rescue tug at Neah Bay from October 2007 through mid-March 2008. A rescue tug has been stationed at Neah Bay since spring 1999. The tug has stood by or assisted 33 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transiting along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil. "The Neah Bay area is sacred to the Makah Tribe and Washington's coast is a world-class treasure," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Flanked by the Olympic National Park along the coast and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary where thousands of ships…
Senator to Introduce Oil Spill Prevention Legislation
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has state that she intends to introduce legislation to reduce the risk of an oil spill in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca by, among other things, doubling the tug escort requirement for all oil tankers over 5,000 gross tons operating in Puget Sound and Prince William Sound; requiring a permanent rescue tug at Neah Bay; and providing financial support for the Washington State Oil Spill Advisory Council. Source: HK Law
