Reading Room Document

Proposed regulation imposing absolute liability for pollution on oil companies who hold their leases pursuant to the provisions of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 67 Stat. 462, 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.

The document is a review of a proposed regulation imposing absolute liability for pollution on oil companies holding leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The review concludes that the proposed regulation could be applied to future leases, but may not be applicable to existing leases or past pollution. It also raises questions about the potential impact on competitive lease offerings for federal lands. The document recommends considering legislation to clarify the authority for imposing absolute liability on oil companies.

February 18, 1969