What regulation mandates double hulls and vessel response plans for oil spills?

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90) is the regulation that mandates double hulls and vessel response plans specifically for oil spills. This legislation was enacted in response to significant oil spills, notably the Exxon Valdez incident, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to protect marine environments.

Under OPA90, the requirement for double hulls was established as a safety measure to minimize the risk of spills by providing an additional layer of protection against breaches in the hull. Double hull construction significantly reduces the likelihood of oil leaks in the event of a grounding or collision, thereby protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

Additionally, OPA90 requires vessel response plans that outline how companies will respond to and manage oil spills. These plans are essential for ensuring quick and effective actions to mitigate the impact of spills on the environment, local communities, and economies.

In contrast, the Clean Water Act primarily focuses on regulating the discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States but does not specifically mandate double hulls or detailed spill response plans for oil tankers. The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is primarily concerned with the safety of ships and maritime safety regulations but does not address oil spills directly. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CER