Which federal agencies are responsible for implementing the Oil Pollution Act (OPA)?
Executive Order 12777, issued on October 18, 1991, delegated the authority to implement the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) to several federal agencies. EPA carries the responsibility for non-transportation-related onshore facilities and incidents in the Inland Zone. United States Coast Guard (USCG) has responsibility for marine transportation-related facilities and incidents in the Coastal Zone. The Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety within the Research and Special Programs Administration oversees onshore transportation-related facilities. The Department of Interior has responsibility for off-shore fixed facilities beyond the coastline. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for natural resource damage assessments relating to oil discharges.