The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (not 1900) was a response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill. This act mandates that oil tankers in US waters have double hulls, which would help prevent spills like the one caused by the Exxon Valdez tanker. The double hull design provides an extra layer of protection, making it less likely for the oil to leak into the ocean in case of a collision or accident.
Here are some ways in which the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 could have potentially prevented the Exxon Valdez spill:
1. **Double Hull Requirement**: If the Exxon Valdez tanker had a double hull as mandated by the act, the impact from hitting the reef in Prince William Sound might not have breached the inner hull, reducing or preventing the oil spill.
2. **Increased Safety Measures**: The act also introduced requirements for contingency plans, response teams, and equipment to handle oil spills effectively. If these measures were in place during the Exxon Valdez incident, the response to the spill could have been quicker and more efficient, potentially reducing the environmental impact.
3. **Environmental Awareness**: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 raised awareness about the importance of protecting the environment from oil spills. This increased awareness might have influenced decisions and actions taken by companies like Exxon in terms of safety protocols and environmental responsibility.
By implementing these provisions and safety measures outlined in the act, it is possible that the Exxon Valdez spill could have been prevented or at least minimized in terms of its environmental impact.
