Bill > S1999

This bill, the Caribbean Oil Spill Intervention, Prevention, and Preparedness Act, grants the Secretary of the department housing the Coast Guard broad authority to act without liability for damages to prevent or respond to threats of crude oil pollution from vessels in waters beyond U.S. territorial jurisdiction that could harm U.S. waters, coastlines, or related interests, considering factors like coastal community health, marine resources, and coastal economies. Before intervening, the Secretary must generally consult with the vessel's flag country and other affected nations, as well as U.S. federal agencies, though emergency situations allow for immediate action without prior consultation. The bill also establishes provisions for international cooperation and preparedness, including developing ocean current and meteorological models for the Straits of Florida, requiring companies operating in Cuban waters to have robust oil spill response plans and financial resources, and promoting international coral reef conservation efforts in the Straits of Florida, alongside developing comprehensive oil spill response plans for the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida, potentially involving joint contingency plans with Mexico, Cuba, and the Bahamas.