To amend the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to improve community outreach, public participation, and the consideration of community and environmental impacts with respect to the issuance of a license under that Act, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 18, 2024
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The NO SPILLS Act of 2024 strengthens federal oversight of deepwater ports that handle oil and other flammable liquids. The bill amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to require increased community engagement, particularly with low-income neighborhoods and communities of color that face environmental risks, and mandates that affected communities and Indian tribes approve new deepwater port projects. The legislation significantly increases financial liability limits for oil spills, raising penalties from $22 million to $70 million for some vessel types and expanding requirements for companies to maintain financial reserves to cover potential damages. The bill also expands environmental review criteria to include air quality, climate impacts, effects on endangered species, and cumulative impacts from multiple ports in the same region, and requires the federal government to prepare a comprehensive environmental impact statement for all Gulf of Mexico deepwater port projects before issuing any new licenses. The Secretary of Transportation must complete this environmental review within one year and conduct active outreach to impacted communities using multiple communication methods, with public comment periods lasting at least 90 days.
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