Review of Analyses of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill by the Policy Committee of the OCS Advisory Board1

Abstract

ABSTRACT On May 23, 1990, the Policy Committee of the Outer Continental Shelf Advisory Board approved a report containing 24 recommendations. These recommendations are intended to help develop a credible national oil spill prevention and response program for both OCS and non-OCS spills in the marine environment. The committee concluded that such a program is needed to improve public confidence and foster the public support necessary for a viable OCS oil and gas program in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Eight essential elements of such a program were identified, and recommendations addressing these elements were presented in the report. This paper focuses on recommendations dealing with command of oil spill response and public involvement and education in oversight of oil spill prevention efforts, contingency planning, and spill response. A subcommittee of the Policy Committee is pursuing the implementation of the recommendations in the report, focusing on Minerals Management Service actions and the extent to which the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 addresses the committee's recommendations.