Curtas do Bryant´s

White House – legislative package for response to Gulf oil spill

The White House posted its Legislative Package that has been transmitted to Congress for consideration in response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It proposes increases in the limits of liability for industry segments identified in OPA 90, not just for offshore facilities. If enacted into law, it would also increase the maximum amount that the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) could expend on any one spill from $1 billion to $1.5 billion. (5/12/10).

EPA and USCG – use of subsea dispersant approved

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it and the US Coast Guard have authorized use of dispersants under water, a the source of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The goal is to break the oil into small drops and reduce its impact on the surface and on the shoreline. (5/17/10).

Shipping Coordinating Committee – meeting IMO Council

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on May 28. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Council. 75 Fed. Reg. 27614 (May 17, 2010).

Senate – hearing on Gulf Coast oil spill response

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs conducted a hearing on Assessing the Nation’s Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano testified concerning the extensive and sustained response efforts. She also testified that, as of May 14, BP has received over 11,000 claims for damages, has disbursed over $6.6 million, and has yet to deny a claim. She was accompanied by Deputy National Incident Commander RADM Peter Neffenger, USCG. Mr. Lamar McKay, BP America, testified concerning efforts to stop the discharge, clean up the spill, pay all legitimate claims, and learn the cause of the casualty. (5/17/10).

Senate – bill introduced for commission to investigate Deepwater Horizon casualty

Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2010 (S. 3344) to establish an independent, nonpartisan commission to investigate the causes and impact of, and evaluate and improve the response to, the explosion, fire, and loss of life on and sinking of the Mobile Drilling Unit Deepwater Horizon and the resulting uncontrolled release of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and to ensure that a similar disaster is not repeated. (5/11/10).

Senate – bill introduced to increase OPA 90 liability cap

Senator Vitter (R-LA) introduced a bill S. 3375) to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the cap on liability for economic damages resulting from an oil spill, and for other purposes. (5/13/10). Official text of the bill is not yet available.

UNGA – meeting on efforts to fight piracy

The United Nations issued a news release stating that the UN General Assembly (UNGA) held an informal meeting on efforts to fight piracy, particularly off the coast of Somalia. It was noted that attacks on ships have increased seven-fold over the four-year period to 2009, when there were 406 reported attacks globally. (5/14/10). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services. Fonte: Dennis Bryant.