General
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) is a U.S. federal law enacted in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill. It mandates that companies involved in oil transport or storage develop detailed spill prevention and response plans, maintain financial responsibility, and undergo training and drills. Under OPA 90, vessel and facility operators must demonstrate the ability to respond to worst-case discharge scenarios. This law significantly improved national preparedness by establishing the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and strengthening coordination among federal, state, and local authorities. Learn more about compliance and response training at OPA 90.
