Order Code RL33705
Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters: Background,
Governance, and Issues for Congress
Updated September 2, 2008
Jonathan L. Ramseur
Analyst in Environmental Policy
Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters: Background,
Governance, and Issues for Congress
Summary
During the past two decades, while U.S. oil imports and consumption have
steadily risen, oil spill incidents and the volume of oil spilled have not followed a
similar course. In general, the annual number and volume of oil spills have shown
declines — in some cases, dramatic declines. The 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in
Alaskan waters played a large role in stimulating actions that contributed to this
trend, particularly the decrease in the annual spill volumes. The Exxon Valdez spill
highlighted the need for stronger legislation, inflamed public sentiment, and spurred
Congress to enact comprehensive oil spill legislation, resulting in the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-380). This law expanded and clarified the authority of the
federal government and created new oil spill prevention and preparedness
requirements. Moreover, the 1990 legislation strengthened existing liability
provisions, providing a greater deterrent against spills. After 1990, spill volume from
oil tankers, the vessels that carry and have spilled the most oil, decreased
significantly.
Considering that U.S. oil consumption and oil imports have steadily increased,
the trend of declining spill incidents and volume in past years is noteworthy. Yet,
recent annual data indicate that the overall decline of annual spill events may have
stopped. Although Energy Information Administration projections indicate that oil
imports are expected to decline in coming years, the United States is projected to
continue importing more than 50% of the oil it consumes. The threat of oil spills
raises the question of whether U.S. officials have the necessary resources at hand to
respond to a major spill. There is some concern that the favorable U.S. spill record
has resulted in a loss of experienced personnel, capable of responding quickly and
effectively to a major oil spill. Moreover, the level of funding required to respond
to such a spill, particularly its aftermath, may be currently inadequate, according to
U.S. Coast Guard reports.
Recent oil spills into San Francisco Bay (November 2007) and the Mississippi
River (July 2008) have generated further interest and debate concerning oil spill
policy issues, such as oil spill response and prevention.
No oil spill is entirely benign. Even a relatively minor spill, depending on the
timing and location, can cause significant harm to individual organisms and entire
populations. Marine mammals, birds, bottom-dwelling and intertidal species, and
organisms in early developmental stages — eggs or larvae — are especially
vulnerable to a nearby spill. However, the effects of oil spills can vary greatly. Oil
spills can cause impacts over a range of time scales, from only a few days to several
years, or even decades in some cases.
This report reviews the history and trends of oil spills in the United States;
identifies the legal authorities governing oil spill prevention, response, and cleanup;
and examines the threats of future oil spills in U.S. coastal waters.

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Impacts of Oil Spills in Aquatic Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Acute Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chronic Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ecosystem Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Economic Costs of Oil Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Cleanup Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Natural Resources Damages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Other Economic Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Oil Spill Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Federal Authorities: Before and After the Exxon Valdez Spill . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Other Federal Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
International Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
MARPOL 73/78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Intervention Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Federal Agencies Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Prevention and Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Federal Funding for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Potential Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Considerations for Policymakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
State Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Threat of Future Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Possibilities for Future Oil Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
U.S. Oil Imports and Possible Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Domestic Oil Transportation and Possible Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Level of Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Recent Oil Spill Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
November 2007 Oil Spill in San Francisco Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
July 2008 Oil Spill into Mississippi River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Recent Legislative Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Appendix. Additional Statistical Information Regarding Oil Spills . . . . . . . . . . 36
Sources of Oil Inputs to U.S. Coastal Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Spills from Facilities and Pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Spills from Oil Exploration and Production Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

List of Figures
Figure 1. Volume and Number of Oil Spills for Incidents Above
100 Gallons in U.S. Coastal Waters, 1973-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 2. Volume of Oil Spilled from Vessels into U.S. Coastal Waters,
1980-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Figure 3. Projected Annual Balances for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund:
FY2007 - FY2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 4. U.S. Petroleum Consumption and Imports:
1990-2005 (Actual), 2010-2025 (Projected) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 5. Volume and Number of Oil Spills for Incidents Above
100 Gallons in U.S. Coastal Waters, 1995-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 6. U.S. Petroleum Imports by Mode of Transportation
(1995 - 2007) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 7. Average Annual Distribution of U.S. Oil Imports
by Geographic Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 8. Domestic Transportation of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products
by Mode, 1990-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Figure A-1. Percentage Contribution of Oil Inputs into North American
Coastal Waters, by Major Source Categories (based on
average annual releases, 1990-1999) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Figure A-2. Volume of Oil Spills into U.S. Coastal Waters from
Facilities and Pipelines, 1980-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Figure A-3. Annual Number of Spills to U.S. Waters from Facilities
and Pipelines, 1980-2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Figure A-4 Annual Oil Spill Volume for Spills Greater than 50 Gallons
from Oil Exploration and Extraction Activities in Federal Waters
on the Outer Continental Shelf (1985-2007) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
List of Tables
Table 1. Federal Agency Jurisdiction for Oil Spill Prevention
and Preparedness Duties, by Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20


Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters:
Background, Governance, and
Issues for Congress
Introduction
Oil is the dominant source of energy in the United States, supplying the nation
with approximately 40% of its energy needs. Its use is widespread, providing fuel
for the transportation, industrial, and residential sectors. Vast quantities of oil
continuously enter the country via vessel or pipeline and are then transported to
destinations throughout the nation. With such widespread use and nonstop
movement, it is inevitable that some number of spills will occur. One continuing
policy issue is whether the nation has the necessary resources and personnel in place
to respond to a major spill.
Several major U.S. oil spills have had lasting repercussions that transcended the
local environmental and economic effects. The most notable example is the 1989
Exxon Valdez spill, which released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into
Prince William Sound, Alaska. The Exxon Valdez spill — the largest and most
expensive oil spill in U.S. waters to date1 — produced extensive consequences
beyond Alaska. According to the National Academies of Science, the Exxon Valdez
disaster caused “fundamental changes in the way the U.S. public thought about oil,
the oil industry, and the transport of petroleum products by tankers ... ‘big oil’ was
suddenly seen as a necessary evil, something to be feared and mistrusted.”2
This report focuses on oil spills3 in U.S. coastal waters.4 The first section
highlights background issues, including oil spill statistics and potential
environmental impacts. The second section discusses the legal framework that
governs oil spill prevention and response. The third section examines the threat of
1 Note that the Exxon Valdez spill ranks only 35th for spill volume on the list of international
tanker spills since 1967. See International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited,
Historical Data, at [http://www.itopf.com/stats.html].
2 See National Research Council (NRC), Oil in the Sea III: Inputs, Fates, and Effects,
National Academies of Science (hereinafter “NRC report”), February 2003, p. 11.
3 In this report, “oil” refers to crude oil and petroleum products, including gasoline and other
fuels, unless stated otherwise.
4 For the purposes of this report, “U.S. coastal waters” is defined broadly to encompass all
waters between the shore and the boundary of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (200
nautical miles from shore). Note that in other documents, “coastal” may refer only to state
waters, but in this report, the term “coastal waters” includes state and federally regulated
waters.

CRS-2
future oil spills in coastal waters and whether response personnel are prepared to
respond to a major spill. The final section highlights recent legislative activity.
Background
Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters
While U.S. oil imports and consumption have steadily risen, oil spill incidents
and volume spilled have not followed a similar course. (See Figure 1.) In general,
oil spill events and the volume of oil released have declined over the past two
decades; in some years, the declines have been dramatic. Note that this figure does
not include data from 2005, described in the text box below.
Spills Associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005)
As of the date of this report, the Coast Guard database did not include 2005
spill data. However, there was a substantial increase in spill volume in 2005, due
to spills associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Minerals Management
Service (MMS) summary of hurricane incidents includes the following:
! More than 8 million gallons of oil from aboveground oil storage
facilities; however, 50% was reported recovered, and it is
unknown has much of the remaining volume impacted coastal
waters;
! Over 600,000 gallons (including an estimated 84,000 gallons from
one platform incident) were spilled from federal offshore oil
platforms and associated pipelines;
! Approximately 3.3 million gallons were spilled from a tank barge,
when it struck a submerged oil platform that had been damaged
during the storms.
MMS, Petroleum Spills of One Barrel and Greater from Federal Outer
Continental Shelf Facilities Resulting from Damages Caused by 2005 Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita Including Post-Hurricane Seepage through December 2007
(revised June 23, 2008), at [http://www.mms.gov/incidents/].

CRS-3
Figure 1. Volume and Number of Oil Spills for Incidents
Above 100 Gallons in U.S. Coastal Waters, 1973-2004
N
25,000,000
4,000
u
m

20,000,000
3,000
b
e

15,000,000
r o
llons
2,000
a
10,000,000
f Sp
G
5,000,000
1,000
ills
-
-
3
5
7
9
1
3
5
7
9
1
3
5
7
9
1
3
197
197
197
197
198
198
198
198
198
199
199
199
199
199
200
200
Total Volume
Spill Incidents
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Oil Spill
Compendium, available at [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/comrel/factfile/index.htm].
The decline of spill incidents is likely related, at least in part, to international oil
pollution standards that went into effect in 1983. These new standards were
implemented in the United States by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.5
The substantial drop in the annual spill volume is most attributable to the decline
in volume spilled by oil tankers and barges — the vessels that transport oil and have
historically spilled the most oil. As shown in Figure 2, the volume of oil spilled
from vessels in U.S. waters in the 1990s differed dramatically from the volume
spilled in the 1980s. The Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 and the resulting Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 (OPA) played key roles in the subsequent spill volume reduction. The
1990 Act (discussed below) made comprehensive changes to U.S. oil pollution law
by expanding federal response authority and increasing spill liability. The high costs
associated with the Exxon Valdez spill,6 and the threat of broad liability imposed by
OPA (in some scenarios, unlimited liability), have likely been the central drivers for
the spill volume decline seen in the 1990s.
5 P.L. 96-478, 33 U.S.C. 1901, et seq. These standards and the U.S. law are discussed later
in this report.
6 Exxon has so far paid approximately $3 billion for the spill: $2 billion for cleanup
activities and $900 million in a civil settlement for natural resource damages. In June 2006,
parties filed for an additional $92 million for damages per a reopener provision in the civil
settlement. On June 25, 2008, the Supreme Court ruled on punitive damages, an issue that
had been in the court system for more than a decade. The Court awarded damages of $507
million (a 2006 ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit had set the damages
at $2.5 billion — a 50% reduction from the original, 1994 ruling). The case is still in the
system, because plaintiffs are seeking interest on the awarded damages, which could amount
to an additional $488 million.













































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































CRS-4
In addition to international and federal governance, 28 states had oil spill
liability laws, 19 of which imposed unlimited liability, before the Exxon Valdez spill
occurred in 1989.7 After the 1989 spill, some states enacted additional legislation,8
which may have contributed to the declines.
Figure 2. Volume of Oil Spilled from Vessels
into U.S. Coastal Waters, 1980-2004
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
s
Tankers
8,000,000
on
ll

Barges
6,000,000
Ga
Other Vessels
4,000,000
2,000,000
-
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
00
02
04
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the USCG Oil Spill Compendium.
The Appendix to this report contains additional information, including a further
breakdown of oil inputs in coastal waters by source category. The Appendix also
provides oil spill data and analysis specific to onshore facilities and pipelines, as well
as offshore oil extraction operations.
Impacts of Oil Spills in Aquatic Environments
No oil spill is entirely benign. Depending on timing and location, even a
relatively minor spill can cause significant harm to individual organisms and entire
populations.9 Oil spills can cause impacts over a range of time scales, from days to
years, or even decades for certain spills. Impacts are typically divided into acute
(short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects. Both types are part of a complicated
and often controversial equation that is addressed after an oil spill: ecosystem
recovery.
7 CRS Report (out-of-print, available from CRS by request), Liability Provisions in State Oil
Spill Laws: A Brief Summary
, October 1, 1990.
8 For example, California passed the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and
Response Act in 1990. More information is available at [http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ospr/about/
history.html#].
9 NRC report, p. 4.

CRS-5
Acute Impacts. Depending on the toxicity and concentration of the spill,
acute exposure to oil spills can kill various organisms and cause the following
debilitating (but not necessarily lethal) effects:10
! reduced reproduction,
! altered development,
! impaired feeding mechanisms, and
! decreased defense from disease.
Birds, marine mammals, bottom-dwelling and intertidal species, and organisms
in their developmental stages — e.g., fish eggs and larvae — are particularly
vulnerable to oil spills.11
In addition to the impacts to individual organisms, oil spills can lead to a
disruption of the structure and function of the ecosystem. Certain habitats — such
as coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and salt marshes — are especially vulnerable,
because the physical structure of the habitats depends upon living organisms.
These potential acute effects to individual organisms and marine ecosystems
have been “unambiguously established” by laboratory studies and well-studied spills,
such as the Exxon Valdez.12
Chronic Impacts. Long-term, chronic exposure typically occurs from
continuous oil releases — leaking pipelines, offshore production discharges, and non-
point sources (e.g., urban runoff). Although spills are normally associated with acute
impacts, some oil spills have also demonstrated chronic exposure and effects.13
There is increasing evidence that chronic, low-level exposures to oil contaminants
can significantly affect the survival and reproductive success of marine birds and
mammals.14 However, because of the complexity of factors, including a longer time
period and presence of other pollutants, determining the precise effects on species
and ecosystems due to chronic oil exposure in a particular locale is difficult for
scientists. As a result, studies involving chronic effects are often met with debate and
some controversy.
Ecosystem Recovery. Interested parties may have differing opinions at to
what constitutes ecosystem recovery. At one end of the spectrum, local groups may
demand that an ecosystem be returned to pre-spill conditions. NOAA regulations (15
CFR Section 990.30) state that recovery “means the return of injured natural
resources and services to baseline” — in other words, a return to conditions as they
would have been had the spill not occurred. Baseline conditions may not equate with
10 These “sub-lethal” effects can occur at concentrations that are several orders of magnitude
lower than concentrations that cause death. NRC report, p. 127.
11 NRC report, Chapter 5; also multiple conversations with National Oceanic Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) personnel (2008).
12 NRC report, p. 120.
13 NRC report, p. 121.
14 NRC report, p. 134.

CRS-6
pre-spill conditions. Multiple variables affect local species and ecosystem services.
For example, one species at a spill site could have been on the decline at the time of
an incident, because of changing water temperatures, for example. These types of
trends are considered when trustees evaluate restoration efforts. Restoration leaves
room for site-specific interpretation, which, in the case of the Exxon Valdez spill and
cleanup, continues to generate considerable argument.
Economic Costs of Oil Spills
The economic costs that can result from an oil spill can be broken into three
categories: cleanup expenses, natural resource damages, and the various economic
losses incurred by the affected community or individuals.
Cleanup Costs. The cleanup costs of an oil spill can vary greatly and are
influenced by a mix of factors: location characteristics, oil type, and oil volume.
Location is generally considered the most important factor because it involves
multiple variables. Areas with less water movement, such as marshlands, will
generally cost more to clean up than open water. Tourist destinations or sensitive
habitats, such as coral reefs, will likely require more stringent cleanup standards, thus
increasing the costs. The political and social culture at the spill site plays a part as
well. A spill in a high-profile area — e.g., the November 7, 2007 spill (53,000
gallons) from a container ship into the San Francisco Bay — will likely receive
special attention. Major oil spills, especially ones that affect shoreline ecosystems,
are often met with extensive media coverage, placing pressure on parties to take
action. Coupled with this pressure, authorities (federal or state) at these locations
may require extensive oil spill response requirements, which can influence cleanup
cost. The United States likely meets this description, because its average cleanup
cost (per barrel of oil spilled) is considerably higher than in other parts of the world.15
The more persistent and viscous oil types, such as heavy crude oil and
intermediates known as bunker fuels, are more expensive to clean up. Gasoline and
other lighter refined products may require only minimal cleanup action. These
materials will evaporate or disperse relatively quickly, leaving only a small volume
of petroleum product available for recovery.
Compared with other factors, spill volume is less important. A major spill away
from shore will likely cost considerably less than a minor spill in a sensitive location.
Certainly, the amount of oil spilled affects cleanup costs, because, all things being
equal, a larger spill will require a larger and more expensive cleanup effort.
However, the relationship between cleanup costs and spill volume is not linear.
15 The average cleanup cost is three times higher in the United States than in Europe (based
on 1997 data and excluding the Exxon Valdez costs). See, Etkin, Dagmar, “Estimating
Cleanup Costs for Oil Spills,” paper presented at the 1999 International Oil Spill
Conference, 1999, citing data from the Oil Spill Intelligence Report International Oil Spill
Database.

CRS-7
Cleaning up a smaller spill is likely to cost more than a larger spill on a per-gallon
basis.16
Natural Resources Damages. This category of costs relates to the
environmental impacts caused by an oil spill. Pursuant to OPA, the party responsible
for an oil spill is liable for any loss of natural resources (e.g., fish, animals, plants,
and their habitats) and the services provided by the resource (e.g., drinking water,
recreation).
When a spill occurs, natural resource trustees conduct a natural resource damage
assessment to determine the extent of the harm. Trustees may include representatives
from tribal governments as well as officials from state agencies (designated by the
relevant Governor) and federal agencies (designated by the President), such as
NOAA.17
The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 states that the measure of natural resource
damages includes
! the cost of restoring, rehabilitating, replacing, or acquiring the
equivalent of, the damaged natural resources;
! the diminution in value of those natural resources pending
restoration; and
! the reasonable cost of assessing those damages.18
Pursuant to OPA, NOAA developed regulations pertaining to natural resource
damage assessments in 1996.19 Natural resource damages may include both losses
of direct use and passive uses. Direct use value may derive from recreational (e.g.,
boating), commercial (e.g., fishing), or cultural or historical uses of the resource. In
contrast, a passive-use value may derive from preserving the resource for its own
sake or for enjoyment by future generations.20
The damages are compensatory, not punitive. Collected damages cannot be
placed into the general treasury revenues of the federal or state government, but must
be used to restore or replace lost resources.21 Indeed, NOAA’s regulations focus on
16 This is primarily due to the fact that a spill of any size (e.g., in a sensitive area) will
require that equipment and response experts be sent to the scene. See Etkin, Dagmar,
“Estimating Cleanup Costs for Oil Spills,” paper presented at the 1999 International Oil
Spill Conference, 1999, p. 5.
17 For more information, see NOAA’s Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration
Program at [http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/about/index.html].
18 33 U.S.C. Section 2706(d).
19 61 Federal Register 440 (January 5, 1996). See also NOAA, Injury Assessment Guidance
Document for Natural Resource Damage Assessment Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(1996).
20 See 15 CFR Section 990.30, definition of “value.”
21 33 U.S.C. Section 2706(f); William D. Brighton, Natural Resource Damages under the
(continued...)

CRS-8
the costs of primary restoration — returning the resource to its baseline condition —
and compensatory restoration — addressing interim losses of resources and their
services.22
Other Economic Costs. Oil spills can generate costs other than response
expenses or damages to natural resources. An oil spill can disrupt business activity
near the spill, particularly businesses that count on the reputation of the local
environment. For example, the local tourist industry may be affected. In some cases,
a well-publicized oil spill can weaken the tourist industry near the spill site,
regardless of the actual threat to human health created by the spill.
Local infrastructure and services can be disrupted by an oil spill. Port and
harbor operations may be interrupted, altering the flow of trade goods. Power plants
that use cooling water systems may need to temporarily cease operations. For
example, the Salem Nuclear Plant — the second largest nuclear plant in the United
States — was forced to halt activity due to a substantial oil spill (more than 250,000
gallons) in the Delaware River in November 2004.
Unlike natural resource damage claims, which are brought by the appropriate
natural resource trustees, the costs described in this section would be submitted as
claims by the third-parties suffering the specific loss.
Oil Spill Governance
When the Exxon Valdez ran aground in March 1989, there were multiple federal
statutes, state statutes, and international conventions that dealt with oil discharges.
The governing framework for oil spills in the United States remains a combination
of federal, state, and international authorities. Within this framework, several federal
agencies have the authority to implement oil spill regulations. The framework and
primary federal funding process (the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund) used to respond
to oil spills are described below.
Federal Authorities: Before and After the Exxon Valdez Spill
The following list highlights the primary federal authorities that were in effect
when the Exxon Valdez spill occurred in 1989:
21 (...continued)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (2006), U.S.
Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division.
22 William D. Brighton, Natural Resource Damages under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(2006), U.S. Department of
Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division.

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! Clean Water Act (1972):23 The Clean Water Act (CWA) represented
the broadest authority for addressing oil spills at the time of the
Exxon Valdez spill. Section 311 of the CWA established
requirements for oil spill reporting, response, and liability. The act
also created a fund (311 Fund), maintained by federal
appropriations, that could be used for cleanup and natural resource
restoration.
! Deepwater Port Act (1974):24 This statute addressed oil spills and
liability issues at deepwater oil ports. The act also set up the
Deepwater Port Fund to provide for prompt cleanup and compensate
damages above liability limits. The fund was financed by a per-
gallon tax on oil transferred at a deepwater port.
! Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act (1973):25 This act covered
oil spills and liability relating to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
(TAPS). Although the pipeline is constructed over land, spills from
it could reach coastal waters via inland rivers. The act created a trust
fund, financed through a lessee fee, that could be used to respond to
spills and damages from the pipeline.
! Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments (1978):26 This act
established an oil spill liability structure and rules for oil extraction
facilities in federal offshore waters. With this legislation, Congress
created the Offshore Pollution Fund, financed by a per-gallon fee on
produced oil, that could be used for oil spill cleanup and damages.
! National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
(NCP): The NCP was first established in 1968, after U.S.
policymakers observed the response to a 37-million-gallon oil tanker
spill (Torrey Canyon) off the coast of England.27 The NCP contains
the federal government’s procedures for responding to oil spills and
hazardous substance releases.28 Subsequent laws have amended the
NCP, including the CWA in 1972 and the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA or Superfund) in 1980.
23 The official statutory name is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, P.L. 92-500, as
amended, codified at 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq.
24 P.L. 93-627, codified at 33 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.
25 P.L. 93-153, codified at 43 U.S.C. 1651, et seq.
26 P.L. 95-372, codified at 43 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.
27 See EPA “National Contingency Plan Overview” at [http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/
content/lawsregs/ncpover.htm].
28 The NCP is codified at 40 CFR Part 300.

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After the Exxon Valdez spill, many observers29 described the above legal
collection as an ineffective patchwork. Arguably, each law had perceived
shortcomings (discussed below in the context of post-Exxon Valdez legislation), and
none provided comprehensive oil spill coverage.
For more than 15 years prior to the Exxon Valdez incident, Congress made
attempts to enact a unified oil pollution law. Several contentious issues produced
deadlocks, hindering the passage of legislation. One of the central points of debate,
state preemption, dealt with whether a federal oil spill law should limit a state’s
ability to impose stricter requirements, particularly unlimited liability. Other liability
questions also generated debate. For example, if an oil spill occurred, should the
owner of the cargo (i.e., oil) be held liable, as was the ship owner/operator? Another
point of contention was whether oil-carrying vessels should be required to have
double hulls. Although proponents argued that a second hull would help prevent oil
spills, the shipping industry raised concern that implementing such a mandate would
disrupt oil transportation and potentially affect the national economy. A final issue
involved the interaction between domestic legislation (federal and state) and
international measures. Some were concerned that if the United States became a
party to certain international agreements under consideration in the 1980s,30 the
international standards would preempt federal and state laws, especially those
establishing liability limits. Proponents argued that these concerns were overstated,
and stressed that joining the international agreements was especially important for
the United States because of the international nature of oil transportation and
associated pollution.
Following the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, Members faced great pressure to
overcome the disputes discussed above.31 The spill highlighted the inadequacies of
the existing coverage and generated public outrage. The end result was the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA)32 — the first comprehensive law to specifically address
oil pollution to waterways and coastlines of the United States.
Oil Pollution Act of 1990. With the enactment of OPA on August 18, 1990,
Congress consolidated the existing federal oil spill laws under one program. The
1990 law expanded the existing liability provisions within the CWA and created new
free-standing requirements regarding oil spill prevention and response. Key OPA
provisions are discussed below.
29 See, for example, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries,
Report accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Prevention, Removal, Liability, and
Compensation Act of 1989, 1989, H.Rept. 101-242, Part 2, 101st Cong., 1st sess., p. 32.
30 The two agreements under consideration were the 1984 Protocols to the International
Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage and the Protocols to the
International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damages.
31 A handful of other oil spills followed the Exxon Valdez in 1989 and 1990 (e.g.,the Mega
Borg
spilled 5 million gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico), further spurring congressional
action.
32 P.L. 101-380, primarily codified at U.S.C. 2701, et seq.

CRS-11
Spill Response Authority. When responding to a spill, many considered the
lines of responsibility under the pre-OPA regime to be unclear,33 with too much
reliance on spillers to perform proper cleanup.34 OPA strengthened and clarified the
federal government’s role in oil spill response and cleanup. OPA Section 4201
amended Section 311(c) of the CWA to provide the President (delegated to the
USCG or EPA) with three options: perform cleanup immediately (“federalize” the
spill), monitor the response efforts of the spiller, or direct the spiller’s cleanup
activities. The revised response authorities addressed concerns “that precious time
would be lost while waiting for the spiller to marshall its cleanup forces.”35
The federal government determines the level of cleanup required. Although the
federal government must consult with designated trustees of natural resources and the
governor of the state affected by the spill, the decision that cleanup is completed and
can be ended rests with the federal government. States may require further work, but
without the support of federal funding.36
National Contingency Plan. OPA expanded the role and breadth of the
NCP. The 1990 law established a multi-layered planning and response system to
improve preparedness and response to spills in marine environments.37 Among other
things, the act also required the President to establish procedures and standards (as
part of the NCP) for responding to worst-case oil spill scenarios.38
Tank Vessel and Facility Response Plans. As a component of the
enhanced NCP, OPA amended the CWA to require that U.S. tank vessels, offshore
facilities, and certain onshore facilities39 prepare and submit oil spill response plans
to the relevant federal agency. In general, vessels and facilities are prohibited from
handling, storing, or transporting oil if they do not have a plan approved by (or
submitted to) the appropriate agency40 (Table 1).
33 See, for example, Wilkinson, Cynthia et al., “Slick Work: An Analysis of the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990,” Journal of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environmental Law, 12 (1992),
p. 190.
34 See, Grumbles, Benjamin, and Manley, Joan, “The Oil Pollution Act of 1990: Legislation
in the Wake of a Crisis,” Natural Resources and Environment, 10:2 (1995), p. 38.
35 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Report
accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Prevention, Removal, Liability, and Compensation
Act of 1989, 1989, H.Rept. 101-242, Part 2, 101st Cong., 1st sess., p. 84.
36 OPA Section 1011.
37 OPA Section 4202, amending Section 311(j) of the CWA.
38 OPA Section 4201(b), amending Section 311(d)(2)(J) of the CWA.
39 The response plan requirement is applicable only to an onshore facility that, because of
its location, could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by
discharging into navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone.
CWA Section 311(j)(5)(iii).
40 OPA Section 4202, amending Section 311(j)(5)(E) of the CWA.

CRS-12
The plans should, among other things, identify how the owner or operator of a
vessel or facility would respond to a worst-case scenario spill. Congress did not
intend for every vessel to have onboard all the personnel and equipment needed to
respond to a worst-case spill, but vessels must have a plan and procedures to call
upon — typically through a contractual relationship — the necessary equipment and
personnel for responding to a worst-case spill.41
In 2004, Congress enacted an amendment requiring non-tank vessels (i.e., ships
carrying oil for their own fuel use) over 400 gross tons to prepare and submit a vessel
response plan.42 Congress reasoned that many non-tank vessels have as much oil
onboard as small tank vessels, thus presenting a comparable risk from an oil spill.
Moreover, the international standards for oil spill prevention43 apply to tanker and
non-tanker vessels alike. Thus, the 2004 amendment brought the U.S. law more in
line with international provisions.
Double-Hull Design for Vessels. The issue of double hulls received
considerable debate for many years prior to OPA, and it was one of the stumbling
blocks for unified oil spill legislation. Proponents maintained that double-hull
construction provides extra protection if a vessel becomes damaged.44 However,
opponents argued that a double-hulled vessel might cause stability problems if an
accident occurred, thus negating the benefits.45 Stakeholders also highlighted the
impacts that a double-hull requirement would entail for the shipping industry (e.g.,
cost and time of retrofitting, ship availability).46 The OPA requirements for double
hulls reflected some of these concerns.
The act required new vessels carrying oil and operating in U.S. waters to have
double hulls.47 However, OPA provided certain exceptions, depending on the size
41 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Report
accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Prevention, Removal, Liability, and Compensation
Act of 1989, 1989, H.Rept. 101-242, Part 2, 101st Cong., 1st sess., p. 87. OPA Section 4202,
amending Section 311(j)(5)(C)(iii) of the CWA.
42 Amendments Relating to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, Title VII of Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-293), codified at 33 U.S.C. 1321.
43 Primarily the shipboard oil pollution emergency plans required by MARPOL 73/78,
discussed later in this report.
44 A study from the National Academy of Sciences reached this conclusion in 1999. See
National Research Council, Double hull Tanker Legislation: An Assessment of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990
, National Academies of Science, 1999, p. 144.
45 Opponents maintained that if water entered the space between hulls, the ship could
become unstable, hindering salvage and possibly capsizing. Wilkinson, Cynthia et al.,
“Slick Work: An Analysis of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990,” Journal of Energy, Natural
Resources, and Environmental Law
, 12 (1992), p. 196.
46 U.S. Congress, Conference Report accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
1990, Conf.Rept. 101-653, 101st Cong., 2nd sess., pp. 140-141.
47 OPA Section 4115, amending 46 U.S.C. 3703.

CRS-13
of the vessel (e.g., less than 5,000 gross tons)48 and its particular use (e.g.,
lightering).49 For older vessels, OPA established a staggered retrofitting schedule,
based on vessel age and size. Many of the age-based deadlines have already passed.
By 2015 at the latest, the law requires that all oil-carrying vessels operating in U.S.
waters have double hulls.
Liability Issues. OPA unified the liability provisions of existing oil spill law,
creating a freestanding liability regime. Section 1002 states that responsible parties
are liable for any discharge of oil (or threat of discharge) from a vessel or facility50
to navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone51 of the
United States (i.e., 200 miles beyond the shore).
Regarding the existing oil spill law prior to OPA, Congress recognized that
“there is no comprehensive legislation in place that promptly and adequately
compensates those who suffer other types of economic loss as a result of an oil
pollution incident.”52 OPA broadened the scope of damages (i.e., costs) for which
an oil spiller would be liable. Under OPA, a responsible party is liable for all
cleanup costs incurred, not only by a government entity, but also by a private party.53
In addition to cleanup costs, OPA significantly increased the range of liable damages
to include the following:
! injury to natural resources,
! loss of personal property (and resultant economic losses),
! loss of subsistence use of natural resources,
! lost revenues resulting from destruction of property or natural
resource injury,
! lost profits resulting from property loss or natural resource injury,
and
! costs of providing extra public services during or after spill
response.54
48 This exception applied to many inland barges.
49 Lightering is the process of transferring oil from a large vessel to a smaller vessel. This
common practice occurs in designated areas that are typically many miles away from shore.
50 The definition of “facility” is broadly worded and includes pipelines and motor vehicles.
OPA Section 1001.
51 Under the pre-OPA regime (primarily the CWA), a discharge 12 miles beyond shore had
to affect the natural resources before liability attached. Under OPA Section 1002, the
discharge itself triggers liability. Wilkinson, Cynthia et al., “Slick Work: An Analysis of
the Oil Pollution Act of 1990,” Journal of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environmental
Law
, 12 (1992), p. 201.
52 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Report
accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Prevention, Removal, Liability, and Compensation
Act of 1989, 1989, H.Rept. 101-242, Part 2, 101st Cong., 1st sess., p. 31.
53 OPA Section 1002(b)(1).
54 OPA Section 1002(b)(2).

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OPA provided several defenses from liability: act of God, act of war, and act or
omission of a third party. Although these defenses are more narrow than those for
oil spills under the pre-OPA framework (primarily the CWA), they are similar to
those of the Superfund statute,55 established in 1980 for releases of hazardous
substances.
Except for certain behavior, including acts of gross negligence or willful
misconduct,56 OPA set liability limits (or caps) for cleanup costs and other damages.
Liability limits for vessels are based on vessel carrying capacity, generally $1,200 per
gross ton. As an example, the liability limit for the 2004 Athos tanker spill in
Delaware River was approximately $45 million.57 Offshore facility liability is capped
at $75 million; onshore facilities and deepwater port liability is limited to $350
million. These limits are much higher than under the pre-OPA liability structure.
OPA required the President to issue regulations to adjust the liability limits at
least every three years to take into account changes in the consumer price index
(CPI). Despite this requirement, adjustments to liability limits were not made until
July 2006. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-
241) amended OPA, increasing limits to $1,900/gross ton for double-hulled vessels
and $3,000/gross ton for single-hulled vessels.
The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Prior to OPA, federal funding for oil
spill response was generally considered inadequate,58 and damage recovery was
difficult for private parties.59 To help address these issues, Congress established the
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF).
Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 12777, the USCG created the National
Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) to manage the trust fund in 1991. The fund may be
used for several purposes:
! prompt payment of costs for responding to and removing oil spills;
55 Section 107(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund), P.L. 96-510.
56 In addition, liability limits are unavailable if the violation of a federal safety, construction,
or operating requirement proximately caused the spill. Spillers must also report the incident
and cooperate with response officials to take advantage of the liability caps. OPA Section
1004(c).
57 37,895 gross tons x $1,200/ton = $45.47 million. Vessel data from United States Coast
Guard, Investigation into the Striking of Submerged Objects by the Tank Vessel Athos I in
the Delaware River on November 26, 2004 with a Major Discharge of Oil
, January 2006,
p. 4.
58 Wilkinson, Cynthia et al., “Slick Work: An Analysis of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990,”
Journal of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environmental Law, 12 (1992), p. 188.
59 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Report
accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Prevention, Removal, Liability, and Compensation
Act of 1989, 1989, H.Rept. 101-242, Part 2, 101st Cong., 1st sess., p. 35.

CRS-15
! payment of the costs incurred by the federal and state trustees of
natural resources for assessing the injuries to natural resources
caused by an oil spill, and developing and implementing the plans
to restore or replace the injured natural resources;
! payment of parties’ claims for uncompensated removal costs, and for
uncompensated damages (e.g., financial losses of fishermen, hotels,
and beachfront businesses);
! payment for the net loss of government revenue, and for increased
public services by a state or its political subdivisions; and
! payment of federal administrative and operational costs, including
research and development, and $25 million per year for the Coast
Guard’s operating expenses.
Although Congress created the OSLTF in 1986,60 Congress did not authorize its
use or provide its funding until after the Exxon Valdez incident. In 1990, OPA
provided the statutory authorization necessary to put the fund in motion. Through
OPA, Congress transferred other federal liability funds61 into the OSLTF. In
complementary legislation, Congress imposed a 5-cent-per-barrel tax on the oil
industry to support the fund.62 Collection of this fee ceased on December 31, 1994,
due to a sunset provision in the law. However, in April 2006, the tax resumed as
required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58). The level of funding in the
trust fund is discussed below.
Financial Responsibility. To preserve the trust fund and ensure that
responsible parties can be held accountable for oil spill cleanup and damages, OPA
requires that vessels maintain evidence of financial responsibility (e.g., insurance).
The Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center carries out this mandate by
issuing Certificates of Financial Responsibility (COFRs) to shipping vessel owners
when owners demonstrate the ability to pay for oil spill cleanup and damages. In
general, vessels over 300 gross tons are required to have a valid COFR to operate in
U.S. waters.
Although the liability limits were increased with the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-241), the Coast Guard regulations (33 CFR
Part 138) addressing COFRs have not been amended to reflect the new limits. In a
Federal Register notice (Vol. 71, August 18, 2006) the Coast Guard stated that “the
levels of financial responsibility enforceable by the Coast Guard are the total
applicable amounts currently found at 33 CFR 138.80(f).” The same Federal
60 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-510).
61 The CWA Section 311(k) revolving fund; the Deepwater Port Liability Fund; the Trans-
Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund; and the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund.
62 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-239). Other revenue sources for
the fund include interest on the fund, cost recovery from the parties responsible for the
spills, and any fines or civil penalties collected.

CRS-16
Register notice indicates that the Coast Guard will initiate a rulemaking to amend the
levels of financial responsibility.

Other Federal Laws. Although OPA is the primary domestic legislation for
oil spills, other federal laws contain provisions that relate to oil spills. Many of these
provisions were in place before OPA. The following list is not all-inclusive, but it
highlights the main requirements authorized by laws other than OPA.
Clean Water Act. Section 311(j)(1) of the 1972 CWA called for regulations
to prevent the discharge of oil from vessels, onshore facilities, and offshore facilities.
Pursuant to this statutory requirement,63 the EPA crafted regulations64 for spill
prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plans in 1973, some of which are
scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2009.65 SPCC plans address the “procedures,
methods, and equipment and other requirements for equipment to prevent
discharges.”66 The EPA’s SPCC plans apply only to non-transportation, onshore
facilities that exceed a certain oil storage capacity and that, in the event of a spill, can
be reasonably expected, because of their location, to produce an oil discharge that
would reach navigable waters or adjoining shorelines of the United States.67 Unlike
other oil spill preparedness provisions, SPCC plans focus more on prevention than
on response activities, requiring, for example, secondary containment (e.g., dikes,
berms) for oil-storage equipment.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The primary federal law governing
oil development and operations in federal waters is the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953 and its subsequent amendments. The OCSLA provided
the foundation for regulations (30 CFR Part 250) that are implemented by the
Minerals Management Service (MMS). Sections of the MMS regulations address oil
spill prevention and response issues by requiring that various equipment and
procedures be in place at offshore facilities. For more information, see CRS Report
RL33404, Offshore Oil and Gas Development: Legal Framework, by Adam Vann.
Pipeline Legislation. The U.S. pipeline network is extensive. Recent
estimates indicate there are more than 33,000 miles of pipelines just in the Gulf of
Mexico.68 Moreover, U.S. inland pipelines are concentrated in coastal areas,
63 And in accordance with Executive Order 11735 (August 3, 1973), granting EPA the
authority to regulate non-transportation-related onshore and offshore facilities.
64 U.S. EPA, “Oil Pollution Prevention: Non-Transportation Related Onshore and Offshore
Facilities,” Federal Register, vol. 38, no. 237 (December 11, 1973), pp. 34164-34170.
65 EPA offered several regulatory amendments after the 1973 rulemaking. Following OPA
in 1991, the agency proposed substantial changes and clarifications that were not made final
until 2002. The effective date of the 2002 final rule has been extended five times; the
current effective date is July 1, 2009. Federal Register, vol. 72, no. 94, pp. 27443-27448
(May 16, 2007).
66 CWA Section 311(j)(1)(C).
67 See 40 CFR Section 112.1.
68 See, for example, MMS Press Release from February 2, 2005, at [http://www.mms.gov/
(continued...)

CRS-17
particularly in the Gulf states, and these pipelines may have an impact on coastal
waters if spills reach waterways that empty into coastal waters.
Several laws govern oil pipelines. The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Act of 1979
(P.L. 96-129) granted authority to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to
regulate various issues regarding oil spills from pipelines. On December 29, 2006,
the President signed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-468) to
improve pipeline safety and security practices, and to reauthorize the federal Office
of Pipeline Safety. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), which is part of the DOT,
implements provisions concerning pipeline design, construction, operation and
maintenance, and spill response planning. For further information on pipeline
legislation, see CRS Report RL33347, Pipeline Safety and Security: Federal
Programs
, by Paul W. Parfomak.
Vessel Legislation. Several federal laws directly or indirectly deal with oil
pollution from vessels.69 Laws concerning navigation reduce the possibilities of
vessel collision or hull breach by objects in the waterways.70 Other laws call for
particular vessel design standards. For example, the Ports and Waterways Safety Act
of 1972,71 amended by the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978,72 called for specific
construction and equipment design requirements for oil tankers. (As noted, OPA
subsequently amended this statute in 1990 by establishing a phased-in schedule for
double-hulled tankers.) Congress enacted the 1970s legislation to coincide with
international initiatives. In fact, many of the federal laws concerning vessel standards
and pollution control procedures were written to implement international
conventions. These laws are discussed in the next section.
International Conventions
The relationship between international and domestic law can be complex. In
general, international conventions (i.e., treaties), when signed by the United States
and (if necessary) ratified by the Senate, are on equal footing with federal law.
Parties to such conventions must often implement domestic legislation to carry out
the provisions outlined in the convention. Several of the federal laws governing oil
spills were fashioned in this manner.73
68 (...continued)
ooc/press/2005/press0202.htm].
69 For a comprehensive list of federal maritime legislation see USCG, Marine Safety
Manual
, Vol. IX (undated), Chapter 1, available at [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nmc/pubs/
msm/vol9.pdf].
70 For example, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended (33 U.S.C. 401, et seq.),
and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, as amended (33 U.S.C.
1601, et seq.).
71 P.L. 92-340, 33 U.S.C. 1221, et seq.
72 P.L. 95-474, codified at 33 U.S.C. 1221-1232 and 46 U.S.C. 3701-3718.
73 If a treaty is considered “self-executing,” domestic legislation implementing the treaty
is not necessary. For more details on these issues, see CRS Report RL32528, International
(continued...)

CRS-18
International conventions have played an important role in developing consistent
standards for oil-carrying vessels from different nations. A primary player in this
regard is the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a body of the United
Nations, which sets international maritime vessel safety and marine pollution
standards. The Coast Guard represents the United States at IMO meetings.
Multiple international conventions concern vessels and their impact on the
marine environment. The two conventions described below are the most relevant to
oil pollution in coastal waters.
MARPOL 73/78. The IMO implements the 1973 International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as modified by the Protocol of 1978
(MARPOL 73/78).74 Vessels whose nations are signatories to MARPOL are subject
to its requirements, regardless of where they sail, and member nations are responsible
for the vessels registered under their flag.
MARPOL 73/78 includes six annexes, each covering a different pollution type.
Annex I (Prevention of Pollution by Oil) entered into force in 198375 and established
requirements for controlling oil discharges to sea. Annex I requires vessels to have
equipment that minimizes oil discharge, such as oil-water separators, and shipboard
oil pollution emergency plans (SOPEPs). Although the SOPEP applicability is
similar to that of the vessel response plan (VRP) required by OPA,76 the purpose of
the SOPEP is somewhat different. A SOPEP is intended to provide guidance to the
vessel’s officers regarding proper onboard emergency procedures when an oil spill
occurs,77 whereas the VRP is more focused on responding to the spill itself.
The United States implements Annex I through the act to Prevent Pollution from
Ships (APPS).78 APPS applies to all U.S.-flagged ships, irrespective of location, and
to all foreign-flagged vessels in U.S. waters or at ports under U.S. jurisdiction. The
USCG issues and enforces regulations necessary to carry out the APPS provisions.
The USCG inspection program is a key component of its oil spill prevention effort.
73 (...continued)
Law and Agreements: Their Effect Upon U.S. Law, by Michael John Garcia and Arthur
Traldi.
74 For convention texts and other materials, see [http://www.imo.org].
75 The phrase “entry into force” signifies that the requisite number of nations have ratified
the convention or annex, thus making the agreed upon requirements binding for all
participating nations. For more discussion of the procedures of international conventions,
see the IMO website at [http://www.imo.org].
76 All vessels of any type over 400 gross tons traveling over international waters must have
a SOPEP approved by their flag state. See USCG VRP/SOPEP “FAQs” at
[http://www.uscg.mil/vrp].
77 USCG, 1997, Marine Safety Manual, Marine Environment Protection, Volume IX, p. 4-24.
78 P.L. 96-478, 33 U.S.C. 1901, et seq.

CRS-19
Intervention Convention. The 1967 Torrey Canyon spill off the coast of
Great Britain was one of the first major spills to receive worldwide attention.79 The
incident raised many questions regarding oil spill response, particularly when dealing
with vessels from other nations. For example, the incident prompted debate over
actions allowable if a nation’s waters and environment are threatened by a spill from
another nation’s vessel. The 1969 International Convention Relating to Intervention
on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (the Intervention Convention)
sought to address these issues.
To implement this convention in the United States, Congress passed the
Intervention on the High Seas Act of 1974.80 Under this act, if the USCG determines
there to be a “grave and imminent danger to the coastline or related interests of the
United States from pollution or threat of pollution of the sea by convention oil [i.e.,
as defined in the convention],” the USCG can take action to “prevent, mitigate, or
eliminate that danger.”
Federal Agencies Responsibilities
Unlike most countries, the United States shares jurisdiction over its territorial
seas (0-12 nautical miles from shore) with its coastal states. The 1953 Submerged
Lands Act (SLA) gave coastal states jurisdiction over the submerged lands, waters,
and natural resources (e.g., oil deposits) located, in most cases, within three nautical
miles off the coastline.81 The waters, seabed, and natural resources beyond the states’
waters are exclusively federal, and extend to the edge of the exclusive economic zone
(200 nautical miles from shore). However, the federal government maintains the
authority to regulate commerce, navigation, national defense, power production, and
international affairs within state waters.
The oil spill legal framework involves implementation by multiple federal
agencies. Agency responsibilities can be divided into two categories: (1) oil spill
response and cleanup and (2) oil spill prevention/preparedness.
Response. Oil spill response authority is determined by the location of the
spill: the USCG has response authority in coastal waters, and the EPA covers inland
oil spills.82
79 The Torrey Canyon, a Liberian-flagged tanker, spilled approximately 35 million gallons
of crude oil.
80 P.L. 93-248 , 33 U.S.C. 1471, et seq.
81 Most state waters extend 3 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 6,076 feet, or 1.15 miles)
from shore. Louisiana waters extend 3 imperial nautical miles (1 imperial nautical mile =
6,080 feet). Texas and Gulf Coast of Florida waters extend 3 marine leagues (equating to
9 nautical miles). See the MMS, OCS, website (“Definitions and Jurisdictions”) at
[http://www.mms.gov/incidents/pollution.htm].
82 The terms inland and coastal are defined in the National Contingency Plan (40 CFR
Section 300.5). The coastal zone covers all waters subject to the tide, the Great Lakes, and
all seaward waters (extending 200 nautical miles beyond shore). The inland zone covers all
other U.S. waters. Spills in inland waters can potentially affect coastal waters and
ecosystems, particularly if the spill occurs in water systems near the coast. In fact, a fine
(continued...)

CRS-20
As the primary response authority in coastal waters, the USCG has the ultimate
authority to ensure that an oil spill is effectively removed and actions are taken to
prevent further discharge from the source. During response operations, the USCG
coordinates the efforts of federal, state, and private parties.
Coast Guard response efforts are supported by NOAA’s Office of Response and
Restoration. NOAA provides scientific analysis and consultation during oil spill
response activities.83 Assistance can include oil spill tracking, cleanup alternatives,
and knowledge of at-risk natural resources. Moreover, NOAA experts begin to
collect data to assess natural resource damages during response operations.
Prevention and Preparedness. Regarding oil spill prevention and
preparedness duties, jurisdiction is determined by the potential sources (e.g., vessels,
facilities, pipelines) of oil spills. A series of executive orders (EOs), coupled with
memoranda of understanding (MOU), have established the various agency
responsibilities.84 Table 1 identifies the agencies responsible for implementing
prevention and preparedness regulations for the potential sources of oil spills.
Table 1. Federal Agency Jurisdiction for Oil Spill Prevention
and Preparedness Duties, by Source

Potential Source of Oil Spill
Responsible Agency
Vessels USCG
Onshore, non-transportation facilities
EPA
Onshore, transportation facilities
USCG and Department of Transportation (DOT)
Deepwater portsa
USCG and DOT
Offshore facilities (oil/gas extraction)
Minerals Management Service (MMS) within the
Department of Interior
Offshore pipelines directly associated with oil
MMS
extraction activities (i.e., “production lines”)b
Offshore pipelines not directly associated with
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) within the DOT
oil extraction activities (i.e., “transmission
lines”)
Inland pipelines
OPS
a. There is only one deepwater port in U.S. coastal waters: the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP).
b. For further discussion on federal pipeline jurisdiction, see National Research Council, Improving
the Safety of Marine Pipelines
, National Academies of Science, 1994, pp. 86-89.
82 (...continued)
line may separate specific inland and coastal waters (e.g., consider the nexus between a bay
and a river).
83 For more information see NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration website, at
[http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/index.php].
84 Executive Order (EO) 12777 (October 18, 1991) delegates authorities pursuant to the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990. This order was amended by EO 13286 (March 5, 2003), which
reorganized duties in response to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

CRS-21
Prevention responsibilities include, among other things, assessing whether
facilities or vessels have the necessary equipment in place. As discussed above,
vessels may be required to have double hulls; facilities may need secondary
containment.
Preparedness duties involve oversight tasks, such as evaluating facility and
vessel response plans. Preparedness responsibilities also include developing and
maintaining contingency plans at various levels: area, regional, and national.
Personnel training is vital component of sustaining readiness. NOAA oil spill experts
help train responders in government service and private business.
In addition, OPA requires agencies to conduct internal examinations to test
preparedness.85 As part of this requirement, the USCG conducts Spills of National
Significance (SONS) exercises to analyze the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to a
major oil spill.
Federal Funding for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
In recent years, the level of funding for the trust fund has created some concern,
highlighting a central policy debate: how should policymakers allocate the costs
associated with a major, accidental oil spill? What share of costs should be borne by
the responsible party (e.g., oil vessel owner/operators), the oil industry, and the
general treasury?
Background. Prior to two separate actions by the 109th Congress, the trust
fund was particularly vulnerable. In 2005, Congress reinstated the 5-cent-per-barrel
tax on oil, thus providing a dedicated source of revenue for the trust fund.86 In 2006,
Congress raised the vessel liability limits, thus requiring the responsible party to pay
a greater proportion of the oil spill costs.87 Before these changes, fund managers
projected the fund would be completely depleted by FY2009.88 With the 2005
legislation in effect, the most recent projection (June 2007) indicates that the fund
will reach $1 billion by FY2008 (Figure 3). However, this projection does not
account for possible claims arising from recent spills, including the 2007 spill into
San Francisco Bay, the 2008 spill into the Mississippi River, or oil spills associated
with Hurricane Katrina. Although the Katrina-related federal response costs were
covered under the Disaster Relief Fund,89 private parties can seek reimbursement
85 As required by OPA Section 4202(a), which amended CWA Section 311(j)(7), codified
in 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(7).
86 Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58). Congress also raised the ceiling from $1 billion
to $2.7 billion for when the tax would temporarily expire. Under the original tax legislation
(Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-239), the per-barrel tax would be
suspended in any calendar quarter if the fund balance reached $1 billion, restarting again if
it dipped below that number. The 2005 act increased this threshold to $2.7 billion.
87 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-241).
88 USCG, Report on the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, May 2005, p. 11.
89 The President may issue a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) and invoke federal authorities and
(continued...)

CRS-22
from the trust fund for cleanup or other costs (e.g., damage to property) that exceed
their liability limits. The possible number and value of these potential claims remain
uncertain.90
Figure 3. Projected Annual Balances for
the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund: FY2007 - FY2014
2500
2000
rs
lla
o
1500
f D
o
s
n
1000
o
illi
M

500
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from National Pollution Funds Center, Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund (OSLTF), Annual Report FY 2002 — FY 2006, at [http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/docs/PDFs/
OSLTF_Report_FY02-FY06.pdf].
Note: The projections assume there will not be any claims associated with spills caused by Hurricane
Katrina, the 2007 spill in San Francisco Bay, or the 2008 spill into the Mississippi River.
Regardless of the possible Katrina-related claims, and even considering the
substantial enhancements made by the 109th Congress, the trust fund remains
vulnerable to a major spill. After conducting two recent Spills of National
Significance (SONS) exercises (in 2002 and 2004), the Coast Guard observed that
a major spill can exceed the available resources in the trust fund.91
As a reference point, the Exxon Valdez spill tallied approximately $2 billion in
cleanup costs and $1 billion in natural resource damages (not including third-party
89 (...continued)
resources, as occurred in response to Hurricane Katrina. For more on this issue, see CRS
Report RL33053, Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations,
Eligible Activities, and Funding
, by Keith Bea.
90 The most recent publications from the NPFC, which manages the OSLTF, do not provide
an estimate because of this uncertainty. However, a background document that was offered
at an April 27, 2006, hearing stated, “the Coast Guard had estimated these costs could
exceed $800 million” (House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation,
Hearing on the Implementation of the Oil Pollution Act). An NPFC official suggests this
estimate is possibly overstated (per telephone conversation on September 22, 2006).
91 See U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, California SONS 2004:
After Action Report
, pp. 46 and A-7.

CRS-23
claims). If an accidental oil spill from a vessel matching the size of the Exxon
Valdez
(95,000 gross tons)92 were to occur, the vessel liability (under the new limits)
would be capped at either $285 million (single-hull) or $181 million (double hull).
Cleanup costs and damages in excess of the liability limits could be covered by the
trust fund.93 OPA Section 900194 established per-incident expenditure caps: no more
than $1 billion (or the maximum amount available in the fund) for all eligible costs,
and no more than $500 million for natural resource damages. Thus, a major spill,
particularly one in a sensitive environment, could threaten the viability of the fund,
possibly depleting it entirely.
In addition, the above scenario assumes that the owner/operator can take
advantage of the liability limits provided by OPA (e.g., obeyed relevant regulations
and did not act with “gross negligence or willful misconduct”). If liability is not
capped, the owner/operator could be liable for all costs. However, in the case of a
significant spill (akin to the Exxon Valdez), some owner/operator companies may go
bankrupt before paying for the entire cost of the spill. Such a scenario may also
threaten the trust fund.
Potential Options. The following options are among several that Congress
might consider to address these concerns:
! First, Congress could maintain the status quo, in which the costs are
shared between responsible parties, the oil industry, and general
taxpayers. Responsible parties — i.e., owners/operators of vessels
and facilities — are liable up to their liability caps (if applicable);
the trust fund, which is funded through the tax on the oil industry,
covers costs above liability limits; general treasury funds would
cover costs if the trust fund is depleted.
! Second, Congress could further increase the liability limits for
vessels, so that the responsible party would be required to pay a
greater portion of the total spill cost before accessing trust fund
dollars.
! Third, Congress could increase the 5-cent-per-barrel oil tax to more
quickly raise the fund’s balance closer to its ceiling of $2.7 billion.
A fully funded OSLTF would be more capable of absorbing the
costs in excess of a spiller’s liability limit.
92 The Exxon Valdez has been renamed the Sea River Mediterranean, and its specifications
can be found at the USCG Port State Information Exchange database at [http://cgmix.uscg.
mil/PSIX/].
93 Except for emergency funds available to federal officials, the trust fund distributes monies
through a claims process. Persons who have incurred cleanup costs or suffered damages
from an oil spill may submit a claim for reimbursement from the trust fund. This includes
responsible parties who have reached their respective liability limits. For more details on
this process, see the National Pollution Fund Center’s website at [http://www.uscg.mil/
npfc/].
94 Codified in 26 U.S.C. 9509.

CRS-24
! Fourth, policymakers may consider expanding liable parties to
include the owner of the oil being transported. This option was
considered during the development of OPA.95 The Coast Guard
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (S. 1892) would, among
other things, alter the liability structure of OPA to make owners of
oil liable for spills under certain conditions.
Considerations for Policymakers. The above options spotlight a central
policy debate: how should policymakers allocate the costs associated with a major,
accidental oil spill?
The first option would maintain the status quo, which represents a cost-sharing
structure. Currently, responsible parties and the oil industry bear the costs for all but
the most significant spills; general treasury funds are needed if the fund is depleted.
Some groups may contend this conflicts with the “polluter pays” principle, arguing
that general treasury funds should never have to pay for oil spill cleanup or damages.
Some combination of options two, three, and four could reduce the possibility of this
occurrence.
The second option would help preserve the trust fund by increasing the liability
limit of the spiller. Setting liability limits is a challenge because lawmakers must
apportion the risk of a costly, accidental spill fairly between the responsible party and
the trust fund. The shipping industry would likely argue that a further increase would
be disruptive due to the cost of maintaining additional financial assurance.
Considering that the limits were increased substantially in July 2006, this option
might be the least feasible.
The third option would increase the cost share borne by the oil industry overall.
Some would argue that this follows the polluter pays principle. One view holds that
the relevant industry — oil transportation and the oil industry in general — should
bear the environmental costs that may develop during the course of business. A
different interpretation of the “polluter pays” principle finds that only the responsible
party, not industry overall, should pay. One with such a view might conclude that the
third option — increasing the per barrel tax — is overreaching and unfair, because
it increases the costs borne by the entire industry, instead of on the actual responsible
party.96
There are likely many economic policy arguments both for and against an
additional per-barrel tax on oil. For instance, some groups may claim that an
additional oil barrel tax will be reflected in higher energy costs (gasoline, home
heating oil) for consumers, which could disproportionately affect lower-income
households. (In general, these types of tax policy debates are beyond the scope of
95 The House version of the bill — 101st Congress, H.R. 1465 — would have held, under
certain conditions, oil owners liable for 50% of the costs and damages.
96 The Bush Administration maintained an analogous view of the “polluter pays” principle
in the context of whether or not to reinstate the Superfund tax on the chemical and oil
industry. See CRS Report RL31410, Superfund Taxes or General Revenues: Future
Funding Issues for the Superfund Program
, by Jonathan L. Ramseur, Mark Reisch, and
James E. McCarthy.

CRS-25
this report.) However, policymakers might consider whether any negative
consequences from an additional tax on industry would outweigh the potential
benefits of allocating the costs to the oil industry.
The fourth option, if implemented, would potentially subject oil companies to
liability from spills of their own oil. In line with one view of the polluter pays
principle, some may argue that oil owners should be at least partially responsible for
the various costs associated with spills of their own oil.97 Oil industry stakeholders
would likely argue that this option is unfair, because, for example, they would have
limited control (besides selecting a carrier) over the transportation of their cargo.
Moreover, the oil industry would likely point out that they are already supporting oil
spill cleanup generally, through the 5-cent-per-barrel tax. Thus, they would likely
argue that attaching direct liability to cargo owners would be an inequitable
distribution of costs.
Policymakers may find the fourth option attractive, because of the financial
strength — or perceived financial strength — of the oil companies.98 If the United
States faces a multi-billion dollar oil spill (and the vessel owner/operators are unable
to pay), some may argue that the oil owners should absorb the costs (above the limit
of the trust fund) rather than funds from the general treasury. However, this particular
liability issue is complicated: further legal and/or policy issues associated with this
liability change are beyond the scope of this report.
State Laws
As mentioned above, multiple states had oil spill liability laws before the
passage of OPA in 1990. During the 15 years prior to OPA’s passage, the issue of
whether or not to preempt state liability laws was perhaps the primary obstacle to
enacting unified oil spill legislation. Proponents of preemption argued that differing
state laws — particularly the various levels of liability — frustrate the shipping
industry and are contrary to the goal of comprehensive federal legislation.
Preemption opponents maintained that states should be allowed (as with most other
federal environmental statutes) to set stiffer standards regarding liability,
compensation, and cleanup.99 In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill, the scales
tipped to the side of anti-preemption. According to OPA Section 1018 (referred to
as a “savings clause”), the act will not preempt any state from imposing additional
liability or requirements with respect to the discharge of oil or related response
97 In addition, this change would arguably make OPA liability more in line with the liability
structure of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA or Superfund, P.L. 96-510), which governs releases of hazardous substances.
98 Although record profits for certain oil companies have been highlighted in recent years,
it is beyond the scope of this report to assess the extent of profits and financial worth of the
oil industry overall, or the percentage of firms that achieved record profits.
99 In fact, one argument against preemption was that existing requirements under particular
state laws would be diminished or negated entirely. See Benjamin Grumbles and Joan
Manley, “The Oil Pollution Act of 1990: Legislation in the Wake of a Crisis,” Natural
Resources and Environment
, 10:2 (1995), p. 38.

CRS-26
activity (e.g., cleanup standards). A 2003 study identified 16 states that impose
unlimited liability for oil spills.100
There was some concern that the language of OPA’s savings clause would allow
states to regulate matters typically reserved for the federal government, such as oil
tanker construction. To address this issue, the conference report stated that the
savings clause would not disturb a 1978 Supreme Court decision that dealt with the
intersection of federal and state authority to regulate the shipping industry.101 In that
case, the Court invalidated a Washington State law that had attempted to govern oil
tanker design, size, and movement in Puget Sound.102
Regardless of the clarification in the conference report, the line between federal
and state jurisdiction continues to be tested. In 2000, the Supreme Court struck down
a Washington State rule calling for various personnel requirements, such as training,
on oil tankers.103 Similarly, in July 2006, a federal district court in Massachusetts
ruled against a state law that would govern logistics, such as tanker design, personnel
qualifications, and navigation.104
Threat of Future Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters
This section examines the threat of future oil spills in coastal waters by
assessing the possibilities for such spills, including spill location and oil type (crude
versus refined product) and the nation’s level of preparedness (or readiness) for
responding to a major spill.
Possibilities for Future Oil Spills
Oil is expected to remain the dominant source of energy in the United States for
at least the next several decades.105 Although earlier projections indicated a steady
rise in both oil imports and consumption,106 the most recent estimate (June 2008)
from the Energy Information Administration forecasts that oil imports will decline
slightly (by about 8%) and then level off in coming years; consumption continues to
100 Etkin, Dagmar, 2003, A Worldwide Review of Marine Oil Spill Fines and Penalties, at
[http://www.environmental-research.com/erc_papers/ERC_paper_10.pdf].
101 U.S. Congress, Conference Report accompanying H.R. 1465, Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
1990, Conf.Rept. 101-653, 101st Cong., 2nd sess., p. 122.
102 Ray v. Atlantic Richfield, 435 U.S. 151 (1978).
103 United States v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89 (2000).
104 United States v. Massachusetts, 440 F. Supp. 2d 24 (D. Mass. 2006).
105 Energy Information Administration (EIA), Annual Energy Outlook 2008 (hereinafter EIA
2008 Report), June 2008, at [http://www.eia.doe.gov/].
106 See the 2007 version (and earlier editions) of the EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook.

CRS-27
increase, but at a slower rate (Figure 4).107 Assuming the projected decline in oil
imports actually occurs
, the potential threat of future oil spills from tankers and tank
barges may decline to some degree. However, the United States will continue to
import a substantial percentage (projected to be between 50% and 60%) of the oil it
consumes.108
Figure 4. U.S. Petroleum Consumption and Imports:
1990-2005 (Actual), 2010-2025 (Projected)
9,000,000
ls 8,000,000
rre 7,000,000
a 6,000,000
f B
o
5,000,000
ds 4,000,000
n
a
3,000,000
2,000,000
hous 1,000,000
T
0
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Imports
Consumption
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the following: actual import data (1990-2005) from Energy
Information Administration (EIA) online statistics, at [http://www.eia.doe.gov], and projected import
data (2010-2025) and all consumption data from EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2008 (table 11).
Nonetheless, a potential for spills does not necessarily correspond with a higher
spill frequency. U.S. oil consumption has been steadily rising for at least two
decades,109 during which time the number of oil spills in coastal waters has declined
(Figure 1). Between 1995 and 2004, the number of annual spills declined by
approximately 50% (Figure 5). Between 2002 and 2004 (the most recent three-year
span for which data are available), the annual number of spills in coastal waters from
all combined sources remained consistent, averaging 263 incidents per year.110 This
three-year span also shows that while the number of annual spills may remain
constant, the annual spill volume can fluctuate. The 2004 spill volume was almost
four times greater than the volume spilled in 2003, yet the number of spill incidents
107 EIA 2008 Report, Table 11.
108 EIA 2008 Report, Figure 90.
109 The increase in U.S. oil consumption may have started even earlier. The EIA historical
data only go back to 1981. EIA online petroleum statistics, “Total Crude and Petroleum
Products Supplied,” (historical data), at [http://www.eia.doe.gov].
110 See USCG Oil Spill Compendium.

CRS-28
was nearly identical. As mentioned above, early data111 indicate that spill volume in
2005 was substantially higher than recent years, due to spills associated with
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Figure 5. Volume and Number of Oil Spills for Incidents
Above 100 Gallons in U.S. Coastal Waters, 1995-2004
3,500,000
600
N
3,000,000
500
u
mb

2,500,000
s
400
n
e
2,000,000
r o
llo
300
1,500,000
f S
Ga
1,000,000
200
p
ills

500,000
100
-
-
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Total Volume
Spill Incidents
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the USCG Oil Spill Compendium.
Other variables may play a role in the oil spill equation. Oil vessel upgrades
(i.e., double hulls) are still ongoing: two important deadlines, 2010 and 2015,112 will
yield a higher percentage of double-hulled vessels in U.S. waters. These
improvements may help keep the number of spills low.
Pipeline transportation may increase if imported oil decreases (assuming oil
consumption continues to increase). Approximately 170,000 miles of oil pipeline in
the United States carry more than 75% of the nation’s crude oil and around 60% of
its refined petroleum products.113 The nation’s oil pipeline infrastructure is old, and
in some (perhaps many) areas, pipelines are operating well beyond their intended
service life.114 As this infrastructure is increasing utilized, the threat of oil spills may
111 The Coast Guard database contained data through 2004 at the time of this report, but
MMS has data related to offshore oil production for 2005.
112 Barring a few exceptions, single-hull vessels over 5,000 gross tons may not operate in
U.S. waters after January 1, 2010. Single-hull vessels below 5,000 gross tons (chiefly
barges) and other previously excepted vessels (e.g., lightering vessels or those upgraded
with double-sides or bottoms) must have double hulls by January 1, 2015. OPA Section
4115 (codified at 46 U.S.C. 3703a).
113 Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), “National Transportation Statistics” (2008),
at [http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_01_10.
html].
114 See, for example, National Research Council, Improving the Safety of Marine Pipelines,
National Academies of Science, 1994, p. 45, and Epstein, Paul (editor), Oil: A Life Cycle
Analysis of its Health and Environmental Impacts
, Harvard Medical School’s Center for
(continued...)

CRS-29
increase. However, pipeline safety and security issues have generated interest in
recent years, and Congress has addressed some concerns in legislation. For more
information on these developments, see CRS Report RL33347, Pipeline Safety and
Security: Federal Programs
, by Paul Parfomak.
U.S. Oil Imports and Possible Spills. The United States will obtain its oil
from a combination of domestic and foreign sources. The ratio of this mix and the
method of its delivery could play a role in the number and volume of oil spills in the
coming years. The following sections discuss this delivery system and its
implications for oil spills in greater detail.
Only Canada delivers oil by pipeline to the United States. Although Canada is
the leading single source of U.S. oil imports,115 the vast majority of U.S. oil imports
arrive via vessel. (See Figure 6.)
Figure 6. U.S. Petroleum Imports by Mode of Transportation
(1995 - 2007)
6,000,000
5,000,000
ls
rre
a

4,000,000
B
of

3,000,000
nds
a

2,000,000
us
Tho
1,000,000
-
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
Vessel Imports
Pipeline Imports
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from EIA online statistics (U.S. Imports by Country of Origin),
at [http://www.eia.doe.gov].
Note: Pipeline imports represent imports from Canada; vessel imports are from all other nations.
114 (...continued)
Health and the Global Environment, March 2002, p. 21.
115 Approximately 18% of total U.S. oil imports came from Canada in 2007. Energy
Information Association, Petroleum Statistics, U.S. Imports by Country of Origin, available
at [http://www.eia.doe.gov].

CRS-30
Most of the U.S. oil imports (55%) arrive via the Gulf Coast (Figure 7).116 Of
the oil spills within the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction (i.e., marine and coastal areas),
approximately 50% of the incidents and the volume spilled have occurred in the Gulf
of Mexico and its shoreline states.117 The Gulf will likely remain an area of special
attention, because the number of vessels arriving with oil will increase in coming
years.
Figure 7. Average Annual Distribution of U.S.
Oil Imports by Geographic Region
Rocky
West Coast
Mountains
9%
East Coast
3%
23%
Midw est
9%
Gulf Coast
56%
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from EIA online statistics (Imports by Area of Entry), available
at [http://www.eia.doe.gov].
Note: The above reflects an average of the years 2000-2007.
Domestic Oil Transportation and Possible Spills. Although U.S.
imports and consumption increased between 1990 and 2005, total domestic
transportation of crude oil and petroleum products (measured in billions of ton
miles)118 declined by 16% during this time (Figure 8). At first glance, this
information appears incongruous; however, further analysis reveals that the overall
decline is attributable to a 50% decrease in Alaskan oil production that has occurred
between 1990 and 2005.119 Alaskan oil travels long distances via pipeline (across
Alaska) and vessel (to the West Coast of the United States) and has historically
116 Although most crude oil (62%) enters the United States through the Gulf, most of the
petroleum products (70%) enter through ports on the east coast. EIA online statistics
(Imports by Area of Entry), available at [http://www.eia.doe.gov].
117 USCG Spill Compendium, Cumulative Data And Graphics For Oil Spills (1973-2004),
at [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/comrel/factfile/index.htm].
118 Note that using this unit of measure is different from using volume alone. With this
measure, distance traveled is as important a factor as volume.
119 Alaskan crude oil production yielded 647,309 barrels in 1990 but declined to 315,420
barrels by 2005. Production decline further to 262,434 barrels in 2007 (EIA website,
Petroleum, “Crude Oil Production”).

CRS-31
accounted for a significant percentage of oil in domestic transportation. Therefore,
the production of Alaskan oil and its distance traveled will have a strong influence
on the overall measure of domestic transportation of oil.
Figure 8. Domestic Transportation of Crude Oil and Petroleum
Products by Mode, 1990-2004
1200.0
s 1000.0
Mile
n

800.0
o
f T

600.0
o
s
n

400.0
illio
200.0
B
0.0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Pipelines
Water Carriers
Total Transported
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from Association of Oil Pipelines, Shifts in Petroleum
Transportation
, June 2006, available at [http://www.aopl.org].
In recent years, total domestic transportation has shown a modest increase
(Figure 8). Although the total increase is relatively small,120 transportation for the
continental United States is likely increasing more substantially, considering the
context of a continuous decline from Alaskan oil production.121 As mentioned
previously, an increase in oil transportation will not necessarily yield more oil spills,
but it may increase the possibilities for spills to occur.
Level of Preparedness
Although many consider the United States’ spill record over the last 15 years,
particularly for major spills, to have been favorable, the absence of a major spill
raises at least one issue. Because the nation has not been forced to respond to a
major oil spill for such a long period, some have voiced concern that the nation might
have lost the expertise and institutional knowledge necessary for quick and effective
response action. The USCG found evidence to support this concern after the 2004
120 The total value increased from 873 billion ton miles in 2000 to 903 billion ton miles in
2004.
121 The degree of increase for oil transportation within the continental United States is
uncertain, because the segregated data are not readily available.

CRS-32
Spill of National Significance (SONS) exercise.122 The After Action Report
concluded:
Oil spill response personnel did not appear to have even a basic knowledge of the
equipment required to support salvage or spill cleanup operations.... There was
a shortage of personnel with experience to fill key positions. Many middle-level
spill management staff had never worked a large spill and some had never been
involved in an exercise. As a result, some issues and complex processes unique
to spill response were not effectively addressed.123
Congress might consider oversight to monitor this situation as the USCG
conducts periodic SONS exercises. The most recent national exercise occurred in
June 2007; the “After Action” report was scheduled for release in October 2007, but
at the date of this report, the After Action report had not been published.124
Recent Oil Spill Incidents
November 2007 Oil Spill in San Francisco Bay
On November 7, 2007, a 900-foot container ship — the Cosco Busan, flagged
as a Hong Kong vessel125 — struck the San Francisco Bay Bridge, spilling
approximately 53,000 gallons of oil into the bay.126 The spill received considerable
attention in the national media, and interested parties have criticized the Coast
Guard’s response to the incident. The spill led to multiple hearings in the Senate127
and House,128 addressing either specifics of the spill or federal law and policies
relating to oil spill response, prevention, and preparedness.
122 The California SONS 2004 was conducted in April 2004 and was the fourth SONS
exercise performed by the USCG. The purpose of the SONS exercises is to ensure and
evaluate the readiness of personnel to respond to a major oil spill. The 2004 SONS exercise
was the largest to date and the first international SONS (involving Mexico).
123 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, California SONS 2004: After
Action Report
, September 2004, p. 46.
124 See [https://www.sons-program.org/SONS/SONS_07.nsf/mainpage?OpenForm].
125 Vessel statistics are available in the USCG Port State Information Exchange database at
[http://cgmix.uscg.mil/PSIX/].
126 Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Allision of the M/V
Cosco Busan With the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
(2008).
127 The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held three hearings: one
in the full committee (November 14, 2007); one in the Subcommittee of Oceans,
Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (December 18, 2007); one in the Subcommittee on
Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security (March
4, 2008).
128 The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held hearings on November 19, 2007, and April 10,
2008.

CRS-33
During the hearings, Members discussed several issues that may generate further
interest and debate concerning oil spill response and prevention. Perhaps the primary
issue was the threat of oil spills from non-tank vessels and how the threat could be
addressed. Members have introduced several proposals (discussed below) along
these lines.
July 2008 Oil Spill into Mississippi River
On July 23, 2008, a tank barge (DM932) being pushed by a tug boat (Mel
Oliver) collided with a chemical tanker (MV Tintomara). The tank barge was cut
into two pieces by the collision. An estimated 380,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil
(bunker fuel) were spilled into the Mississippi river,129 approximately 100 miles north
of New Orleans. Officials closed a 100-mile section of the river, and did not fully
reopen the section to all vessels for six days. Commerce on the river and at the Port
of New Orleans was affected. The incident is still under investigation.
Recent Legislative Activity
From 1990 to 2005, oil spill issues received relatively little congressional
attention. A major spill (more than 1 million gallons) has not had an impact on the
nation’s shores and sensitive natural resources since 1990. However, the 109th
Congress enacted two important provisions affecting cleanup funding and liability.
! P.L. 109-58, H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (signed August
8, 2005): Congress reinstated the 5-cent-per-barrel tax on domestic
and imported oil that had expired on December 31, 1994. As with
the original tax, the tax revenue provides direct funding to the Oil
Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) but would be suspended for any
period in which the fund’s quarterly balance exceeded $2.7 billion
(the original suspension trigger was $1 billion).
! P.L. 109-241, H.R. 889, The Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2006 (signed July 12, 2006): Congress
increased vessel liability limits to $1,900/gross ton for double-hulled
vessels and $3,000/gross ton for single-hulled vessels.
In addition, the 109th Congress passed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of
2006 (P.L. 109-468), which calls for improved pipeline safety and security practices,
and reauthorizes the federal Office of Pipeline Safety.130 Members introduced other
bills that addressed or included provisions concerning oil pollution issues, but none
of the bills were considered on the House floor.
129 Spill estimate from NOAA website, at [http://response.restoration.noaa.gov].
130 The President signed the legislation into law on December 29, 2006.

CRS-34
In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced several bills that would address
oil spill issues. One bill has been enacted; one bill passed the House; several have
been reported by various committees:
! P.L. 110-161: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, was
signed by the President December 26, 2007. In the Joint
Explanatory Statement of this act, Congress directs the Inspector
General of the Department of Homeland Security to prepare an
investigative report regarding the November 2007 oil spill in San
Francisco Bay.131 The report was submitted to Congress April 9,
2008.
! S. 184: Senator Inouye introduced this bill January 4, 2007. It
would require federal plans for critical pipeline security and incident
recovery, and would mandate pipeline security inspections and
enforcement. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported the legislation (S.Rept. 110-29) February 15,
2007.132
! H.R. 2830: Representative Oberstar introduced this bill June 22,
2007. This legislation would, among other things, decrease the time
period from six to three years for submitting claims to the OSLTF.
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
the bill (H.Rept. 110-338, Part I) September 20, 2007; the
Committee on Homeland Security reported the bill October 1, 2007
(H.Rept. 110-338, Part II); and the Committee on the Judiciary
reported the bill October 30, 2007 (H.Rept. 110-338, Part III). This
bill passed the House April 24, 2008.
! S. 1566: Senator Inhofe introduced this bill June 7, 2007. It was
reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public
Works June 27, 2008 (S.Rept. 110-403). It would require the U.S.
Comptroller General to prepare an annual audit regarding the funds
dispersed by the National Pollution Funds Center. Each federal
agency that received such funding would also provide an annual
report documenting the funding distribution.
! S. 1620: Senator Cantwell introduced this bill June 14, 2007. This
legislation would strengthen the current prevention, response, and
spill tracking duties of the USCG. The bill would also require
certain tank vessel owners to demonstrate financial responsibility to
cover potential oil spill costs.
131 See Congressional Record, December 17, 2007 (Book II), Joint Explanatory Statement,
Division E, Title I, House pp. H16080-81.
132 For further information on pipeline legislation and issues, see CRS Report RL33347,
Pipeline Safety and Security: Federal Programs, by Paul W. Parfomak.

CRS-35
! S. 1892: On July 26, 2007, Senator Cantwell introduced the Coast
Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. It was reported by
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
February 5, 2008 (S.Rept. 110-261). Among other things, this bill
would direct the Coast Guard to develop regulations covering oil
transfers to or from vessels; prepare a report identifying the role of
human error in oil spills; and develop an oil spill prevention and
education program for small vessels. In addition, the bill would alter
the liability structure by (1) making owners (in addition to vessel
owners/operators) of transported oil liable for spills from single-
hulled vessels after 2010; and (2) broadening the applicability for
financial responsibility to tank vessels over 100 gross tons.133
! S. 2429: Senator Boxer introduced this bill December 6, 2007, in the
wake of the Cosco Busan oil spill. This legislation would raise the
liability limit for cargo vessels to equal the liability limit of tank
vessels.
! S. 2430: Also related to the Cosco Busan spill, Senator Boxer
introduced this legislation December 6, 2007. The bill would
authorize Vessel Traffic Service (operated by the Coast Guard) to
direct a vessel pilot to modify the speed or direction of a vessel in an
emergency or in hazardous conditions.
! S. 2642: Senator Klobucher introduced the American Renewable
Energy Act of 2008 February 14, 2008. This bill would increase the
tax rate supporting the OSLTF and extend the tax through 2017.
! S. 2699: Senator Lautenberg introduced the Oil Spill Prevention Act
of 2008 March 4, 2008; it was ordered to be reported from the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation May
15, 2008. This bill would, among other things, mandate that new
U.S. vessels carrying fuel for propulsion (as opposed to cargo)
comply with an amendment — Regulation 12A, which went into
force August 2007 — to MARPOL. This amendment requires that
fuel tanks be protectively located.
133 The current level is 300 tons.

CRS-36
Appendix. Additional Statistical Information
Regarding Oil Spills
Sources of Oil Inputs to U.S. Coastal Waters
Oil enters the coastal waters of the United States from a wide variety of sources.
These sources comprise four major categories: natural seeps, oil consumption, oil
transportation, and oil extraction.134 The majority of oil inputs are from natural seeps
— geologic openings on the ocean floor. (See Figure A-1.) Well-known natural
seeps are found in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of southern California,
regions with extensive oil exploration and production. Although the seeps release
large volumes of oil each year,135 the surrounding ecosystem can adapt, and even
thrive, because the rate of release is relatively slow.136
Figure A-1. Percentage Contribution of Oil Inputs into
North American Coastal Waters, by Major Source
Categories (based on average annual releases,
1990-1999)
Oil Consumption
33%
Natural Seeps
62%
Oil
Transportation
4%
Oil Extraction
1%
Source: Prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) with data from the National Research
Council (NRC) of the National Academies of Science, 2003, Oil in the Sea III: Inputs, Fates, and
Effects
, p. 69.
Releases associated with petroleum consumption activities account for the vast
majority of oil introduced to the coastal environment through human behavior.
Rivers and man-made conveyances, such as storm-water drains, receive oil from
numerous non-point sources (e.g., urban runoff) and carry the oil to coastal waters.
These sources are frequent and widespread, but their rates of release are relatively
134 NRC report, pp. 67-88.
135 The NRC report (p. 69) estimates that natural seeps off North America release 47 million
gallons of oil each year (converted from tonnes).
136 NRC report, p. 2.

CRS-37
slow and occur over a long period of time. Moreover, both the quantitative value and
the environmental fate of these sources are poorly understood.137
Oil transportation and oil extraction represent, on an annual average basis, a
minor input to coastal waters. (See Figure A-1.) Unlike the other categories, which
generally release oil at a slow rate over a wider geographic area, transportation and
extraction releases can occur as major spills. Statistics for oil vessel transportation
are provided in Figure 2 at the beginning of this report. Spills from oil extraction
operations are discussed later in this Appendix.
Spills from Facilities and Pipelines
The volume of oil spills from facilities and pipelines has declined since the
1980s (see Figure A-2). Over the most recent five-year span of data (2000-2004),
pipeline spill volume was especially low (compared with previous years), averaging
only about 12,000 gallons of spilled oil per year; during the first five-year span
(1980-1984), the average annual pipeline spill volume was 2.5 million gallons.
Figure A-2. Volume of Oil Spills into U.S. Coastal Waters from
Facilities and Pipelines, 1980-2004
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
s
n

2,500,000
llo
a

2,000,000
G
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
-
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
00
02
04
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
Facilities
Pipelines
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from USCG Oil Spill Compendium.
Note: The above USCG data includes incidents from land-based facilities and pipelines, as well as
oil industry facilities and pipelines in state (nearshore) and federal (offshore) waters.
The number of spills from pipelines in U.S. waters began to decline in the mid-
1980s (Figure A-3). According to the Coast Guard data, there were only two spills
between 2002 and 2004, each spill releasing approximately 15,000 gallons of oil.
This low number of pipeline spills may be misleading, because some incidents might
not be captured by the Coast Guard’s database. In a disclaimer on it website, the
137 The range of uncertainty of land-based runoff is substantial, from a minimum estimate
of 5.6 million gallons to 588 million gallons (based on average, annual releases from 1990-
1999). NRC report, pp. 69, 87.

CRS-38
Coast Guard points out that its Oil Spill Compendium includes spills “investigated”
by the Coast Guard.138 Some spills in coastal waters may be under another agency’s
jurisdiction, such as the Office of Pipeline Safety or Minerals Management Service.
Although the Coast Guard still includes some of these spills in the database, others
are not included.
Spills from facilities have not followed a pattern of steady decline since 1980,
but have fluctuated over the last two decades. However, in recent years the number
of annual spills has been relatively stable.
Figure A-3. Annual Number of Spills to U.S. Waters from Facilities
and Pipelines, 1980-2004
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
-
80
82
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
00
02
04
19
19
1984
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
Facilities
Pipelines
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the USCG Oil Spill Compendium.
Spills from Oil Exploration and Production Operations
As depicted in Figure A-1, oil extraction activities contribute approximately 1%
of the total oil input to North American waters. The vast majority (95%) of this (1%)
oil extraction input comes from operational discharges, which are regulated by a
Clean Water Act permit system. Thus, oil extraction spills represent, on an annual
basis, only a relatively minor (only 0.05%) component of the total input to North
American waters.
However, oil well blowouts from offshore oil extraction operations have
historically been a source of major oil spills. The largest accidental oil spill in world
history — the IXTOC I, estimated at 140 million gallons — was due to an oil well
blowout in Mexican Gulf Coast waters in 1979.139 A 1969 well blowout off the coast
of Santa Barbara released approximately 4 million gallons into the environment and
138 See Oil Spill Compendium at [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/comrel/factfile/index.htm].
139 NRC report, p. 33.

CRS-39
has been credited with catalyzing some of the landmark environmental legislation of
the 1970s.
The spill record for offshore platforms in federal waters140 was noteworthy
during the 1980s and 1990s. According to the Minerals Management Service
(MMS)141 oil spill database, there were no oil spills over 1,000 barrels142 from
federally regulated offshore facilities between 1981 and 2001 (Figure A-4). This
effort was achieved in the context of increasing oil production on the outer
continental shelf (OCS).143
Since 2002, there have been six offshore facility spills in federal waters over
1,000 barrels, the largest estimated at 2,000 barrels (84,000 gallons). Annual spill
volumes from offshore facilities in federal waters have increased in recent years
(Figure A-4). Part of the recent increase in facility spill volume is attributable to a
more comprehensive reporting regime. For example, tanks or machines with oil that
are lost at sea during hurricanes are now counted as spills.144
As Figure A-4 indicates, there were several years in which offshore pipelines
contributed a relatively minor (or zero) spill volume. However, periodic large spills
generated the vast majority of the spill volume from offshore operations between
1985 and 2000. For example, in 1988, there was only one pipeline spill over 1,000
barrels, but that one incident released 15,576 barrels into the environment (654,192
gallons).
The vast majority of the offshore spills in federal waters have taken place in the
Gulf of Mexico. In fact, there have been only four spills greater than 50 barrels
(2,100 gallons) in the Pacific Region since 1985, none occurring after 1996.145
140 Federal waters extend 200 nautical miles from shore but do not include the waters
adjacent to shore that are under state control (as discussed earlier in this report).
141 The MMS, in the U.S. Department of Interior, is the federal agency responsible for
managing the oil and gas resources on the outer continental shelf.
142 1,000 barrels = 42,000 gallons.
143 The annual crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico (the primary source of offshore
crude oil) increased by 112% from 1981 to 2001. Energy Information Administration,
Crude Oil Production statistics, at [http://www.eia.doe.gov/].
144 Per August 15, 2006, telephone conversation with MMS official.
145 MMS Oil Spill database, at [http://www.mms.gov/incidents/pollution.htm].

CRS-40
Figure A-4 Annual Oil Spill Volume for Spills Greater than 50 Gallons
from Oil Exploration and Extraction Activities in Federal Waters on the
Outer Continental Shelf (1985-2007)
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
llons
a

400,000
G
300,000
200,000
100,000
-
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
98
98
98
98
98
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
OCS Pipelines
OCS Facilities
Source: Prepared by CRS with data from the Minerals Management Service (MMS) spill database,
at [http://www.mms.gov/incidents/pollution.htm].
Note: The MMS database includes spills from chemicals (e.g., methanol), but the above only includes
spills of crude oil and petroleum products.
Although Figure A-4 and the above discussion pertain only to federal waters,
there are numerous platforms and pipelines in state waters as well. The majority of
the oil extraction operations are located in state waters off the coast of Louisiana and
Texas. The precise volume and incident frequency in state waters are difficult to
determine. The NRC report describes the data as “generally lacking,”146 but the
report estimates that oil spills from operations in state waters account for twice the
oil discharges of activities in federal waters.147 This estimate is noteworthy
considering that spills in state waters present a potentially greater threat to the more
sensitive shoreline environments.
146 NRC report, p. 193.
147 NRC report, p. 38.