How did OPA 90 amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA)?

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) significantly amended the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) by enhancing oil spill response capabilities. This legislation was a response to incidents such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which highlighted the need for a more robust framework for preventing and responding to oil spills in U.S. waters.

The enhancements included requirements for oil spill contingency planning and response readiness. OPA 90 mandated that oil companies develop response plans that would be submitted to the federal government, ensuring that they had strategies in place to mitigate the effects of potential spills effectively. Additionally, the Act established the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which provided resources for quick response to oil spills and ensured that responsible parties were held accountable for cleanup costs.

While the other options presented involve important aspects of environmental policy, they do not specifically relate to the core focus of OPA 90's amendments concerning oil spill preparedness and response.