PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12069-12070)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Dec 8, 2004
Oil Spill Prevention and Liability Act of 2004 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to double liability limits associated with oil spills for double-hull tank vessels, other vessels, offshore facilities (except deepwater ports), and onshore facilities and deepwater ports.
Gradually phases out (over six years) liability limits for single-hull vessels.
Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish separate liability limits for the transportation of oil by vessel to deepwater ports.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations under which port owners or operators may request that the Secretary place restrictions on the entry of tank vessel shipments presenting a risk of severe harm to the environment, economy, or public safety of the port or port region.
Requires single-hull tank vessels that are more than 15 years old to undergo annual inspections.
Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study assessing the total economic cost of oil spills, and the types of costs resulting from such spills, and to report the findings to Congress.
People & committees
Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12069-12070)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12069)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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