Curbelo introduces bipartisan bill to hold foreign parties responsible for oil spills

Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) would hold foreign entities responsible for the cleanup costs of oil spills affecting U.S. waters and shores.

The Foreign Spill Protection Act, H.R. 468, would hold foreign entities responsible for oil spill cleanup costs, regardless of where the spill originate.

“With the increasing probability of foreign nations drilling near our shores, American taxpayers across the country are at risk of footing the bill to bail out the mistakes of foreign oil companies,” Curbelo said. “This bill ensures that won’t happen and guarantees our coastal communities will have the resources they need for cleanup and recovery if they are affected by a foreign spill.”

Under the measure, which Curbelo introduced with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), penalties outlined in the Clean Water Act would be applicable to foreign entities.

“In Florida and around America, we must protect our beautiful beaches and coastal areas both now and in the future,” Soto said. “This bill would hold foreign oil drilling companies fully responsible for spills nears our shores.”

Curbelo previously introduced the bill in the 114th Congress, and the measure cleared the House with bipartisan support.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.