Consumer Price Index Adjustments of Oil Pollution Act of 1990 Limits of Liability-Vessels and Deepwater Ports

Résumé

The Coast Guard is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule published on July 1, 2009. The interim rule increased the limits of liability that apply under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) to vessels and to deepwater ports subject to the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, to reflect significant increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The interim rule also established the methodology the Coast Guard uses to adjust the OPA 90 limits of liability for inflation, and made minor regulatory amendments to clarify applicability of the OPA 90 single-hull tank vessel limits of liability.