May 24, 2010

The Oil Spill Liability Framework

Co-sponsored by:
The Environmental Law Institute &
DC Bar’s Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section,
Ocean and Marine Resources Committee

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill generated tremendous concern about the potential ecological, economic, and social impacts of the leaking oil. As the spill grew, stakeholders and interested parties raised questions about the governing federal, state, and tort liability framework. This panel discussed the primary oil spill liability provisions in effect at the time and aspects such as the types of damages covered, past experiences, and the factors that influence the extent of liability in different circumstances. Speakers also provided a general summary of oil spill liability to help the audience understand the legal framework that applies to the Gulf of Mexico spill. Click here for a summary of the event.

Moderator:
Jordan Diamond, Assistant Director, Ocean Program, Environmental Law Institute

Panelists:
Zygmunt J.B. Plater, Professor, Boston College; former chairman, State of Alaska Oil Spill Commission Legal Task Force
Plater PowerPoint
Plater Handout

Russell V. Randle, Partner, Patton Boggs LLP; author, Oil Pollution Deskbook
Randle Handout

Lois J. Schiffer, General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

John P. Wagner, Senior Attorney, American Petroleum Institute
Wagner PowerPoint
Wagner Handout

Additional materials:
Professor Craig PowerPoint
mp3 recording