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Oil Pollution Act of 1990: New Limitations on Liability

By Nancy L. Hengen
December 30, 2004

The risk of oil pollution liability for financial lessors of vessels operating in U.S. waters under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90″), 33 U.S.C. '2701 et seq., has been substantially ameliorated under new U.S. legislation, thereby restoring leasing as a more lessor-friendly financing option for vessels that trade in U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1028) (the “New Act”) became law on Aug. 9, 2004. Section 703 of the New Act amends OPA 90 to provide for exemption from environmental damages liability of certain financing lessors. The New Act imports into OPA 90 the terms of the so-called “Secured Creditor Exemption” found in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), 47 U.S.C. '9601 et seq.

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