Oil Pollution Act (OPA)

The Oil Pollution Act (OPA), enacted in 1990, is a U.S. law designed to prevent and respond to oil spills in navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. It requires oil tankers and storage facilities to maintain spill response plans and establishes strict liability for companies responsible for oil spills. The act empowers the government to take cleanup actions and seek reimbursement for costs from the responsible parties. It aims to protect marine environments and restore affected areas, promoting better safety practices in the oil industry to prevent future spills.