Maritime Safety: Enhanced Environmental and Community Protection Against Oil Spills
This act enhances environmental protection and safeguards communities affected by deepwater port operations, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. It introduces new requirements for public consultation, raises financial liability limits for oil spills, and mandates comprehensive environmental impact assessments, aiming to reduce the risk of disasters and their negative consequences for people and nature.
Key points
Increased Community Engagement: The act requires active outreach and consultation with residents, especially low-income and tribal communities, regarding the construction and operation of deepwater ports.
Higher Penalties for Oil Spills: Financial liability limits for companies for damages caused by oil spills are significantly increased, encouraging greater caution and better security measures.
Environmental Protection: New environmental impact assessment criteria are introduced, covering air quality, climate, endangered species, and ocean ecosystems, and funding for liquefied natural gas research in maritime assistance programs is prohibited.
Moratorium on New Projects: No new deepwater port licenses will be issued until a comprehensive environmental impact statement for the Gulf of Mexico is completed.
Expired
Citizen Poll