Juneau -- Friday, the Alaska Senate passed SB 273 which would require non-tanker vessels and the railroad to provide the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with an oil discharge prevention and contingency plan and provide proof of financial responsibility.

"Alaska arguably has the world's best oil spill prevention and response programs," said Pearce. "But the current program doesn't go far enough. This legislation would extend the existing law to cover self-propelled tanks for the railroad and non-tanker vessels of 400 gross tons and greater, including commercial fishing vessels, cruise ships, processors and the Alaska State Ferries."

Since 1995, non-regulated transportation operations have spilled 10 times more often and 50 times more oil product than regulated vessels like tankers. In the last five years there have been 93 spills from regulated vessels, spilling 5,286 gallons. In that same time period, there have been 945 spills from non-regulated vessels and the railroad spilling 258,000 gallons.

The railroad alone has suffered three derailments since 1992 and three spills in the last four months. The two most recent spills dropped 125,000 and 12,450 gallons of oil respectively.

Speaking from the floor, Pearce noted that since this bill was first introduced 60 days ago, three marine vessels have run aground and there has been one additional railroad spill. "These events emphasize the importance of having this legislation," said Pearce. "Alaska is the only West Coast state that has not extended its contingency plan and financial responsibility laws to include non-tank vessels."

SB 273 now heads to the House and is scheduled to be heard next week by the House Resources Committee.

Attachment:

• Sponsor Statement
  

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