(06/02/10) -

Many Americans Would Modify Oil Pollution Act

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many Americans would like to increase the civil liability for companies responsible for oil spills off the U.S. coast, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 65 per cent of respondents support raising the $75 million cap on damages under the Oil Pollution Act.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many Americans would like to increase the civil liability for companies responsible for oil spills off the U.S. coast, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 65 per cent of respondents support raising the $75 million cap on damages under the Oil Pollution Act.

The Oil Pollution Act was passed by Congress in 1990 to mitigate and prevent civil liability for future oil spills off the U.S. coast. The act establishes that "holders of leases or permits for offshore facilities, except deepwater ports, are liable for up to $75 million per spill, plus removal costs."

On Apr. 20, a blowout at an oil well owned by BP Plc and located southeast of the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico caused a major oil spill which is now considered the largest in U.S. history. All attempts aimed at containing the oil spill have failed.

On May 28, U.S. president Barack Obama discussed the situation, saying, "BP is the responsible party for this disaster. What that means is they’re legally responsible for stopping the leak and they’re financially responsible for the enormous damage that they’ve created. And we’re going to hold them accountable, along with any other party responsible for the initial explosion and loss of life on that platform."

Polling Data

The Oil Pollution Act was passed by Congress in 1990 to mitigate and prevent civil liability for future oil spills off the U.S. coast. The act establishes that "holders of leases or permits for offshore facilities, except deepwater ports, are liable for up to $75 million per spill, plus removal costs." Do you support or oppose Congress raising the $75 million cap on damages under the Oil Pollution Act?

Complete Poll (PDF)