What does Preamble of Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The amendment aims to increase both civil and criminal penalties related to oil spills. The bill's purpose is 'to increase the civil and criminal penalties for oil spills, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act

What does CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES RELATING TO OIL SPILLS. of Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act do?

This section amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to modify civil and criminal penalties related to oil spills. Subparagraph (A) of 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7) is amended to require a minimum civil penalty amount. Subparagraph (D) of 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7) is amended to require a minimum civil penalty amount. Paragraph (1) of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c) increases the maximum fine from $2,500 to $5,000 and from $25,000 to $50,000, and increases the maximum imprisonment term from 1 year to 2 years. Paragraph (2) of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c) increases the minimum fine from $5,000 to $10,000, and increases the maximum fine from $50,000 to $100,000, and increases the maximum imprisonment term from 3 years to 6 years. Paragraph (3)(A) of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c) increases the maximum fine from $250,000 to $500,000, and increases the maximum imprisonment term from 15 years to 30 years, and increases the maximum penalty from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. The maximum punishment for violations under paragraphs (1) and (2) of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c) is doubled with respect to both fines and imprisonment.

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Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act

Last updated: 4/29/2025 · Introduced: 4/29/2025

Author: Ted Lieu (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish minimum civil penalty amounts for oil spills.
The bill increases both the maximum and minimum fines and imprisonment terms for criminal violations related to oil spills.
For the most severe violations, this bill significantly increases the maximum fines and imprisonment terms, and doubles the maximum punishment.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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