Which act was passed in 1990 specifically addressing oil pollution?

The Oil Pollution Act, passed in 1990, was specifically designed to address the issues related to oil spills and pollution in U.S. waters. This legislation was a direct response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which highlighted the need for stronger regulatory measures to prevent and respond to oil spills. The act established a comprehensive framework for the prevention and response to oil spills, setting up provisions for contingency planning and requiring vessel owners and operators to prepare plans to prevent, contain, and clean up oil spills.

In addition to establishing protocols for immediate response to oil spills, the Oil Pollution Act also created the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which provides financial resources to help in cleanup efforts. This act emphasizes the importance of both preventing oil pollution and ensuring that effective measures are in place to respond swiftly and efficiently when spills do occur.