Frustration Mounts As Oil Seeps Into Gulf Wetlands

Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish a National Response Unit at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to: (1) compile a list of oil spill removal resources, personnel, and equipment worldwide; (2) coordinate use of private and public personnel and equipment in worst case discharges; (3) administer Coast Guard strike teams and provide technical assistance; and (4) review and keep area contingency plans. Requires the same Secretary to establish in each Coast Guard district a Coast Guard District Response Group.



Establishes an Area Committee of presidentially-appointed Federal, State, and local agency personnel for each area designated by the President. Requires each Area Committee to submit an Area Contingency Plan for the President's approval.



Directs the President to issue regulations requiring an owner or operator of a tank vessel or facility to submit for presidential approval a worst case discharge response plan. Requires him to review promptly and periodically any response plan for an onshore facility which could reasonably be expected, because of location, to cause significant and substantial environmental damage with a discharge. Requires periodic removal drills. Denies any Federal liability for damages arising from actions or omissions relating to a response plan.



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