WASHINGTON D.C.— Last night, the Senate passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act Conference Report with a provision authored by Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden that will significantly improve the damage claims process for fishermen and aquaculture producers should their businesses be affected by oil spills in the future.

"Oil spills not only destroy ocean life but also the coastal economies that depend on the ocean's bounty," Smith said. "This legislation will go a long way in ensuring Oregon's aquaculture community will not suffer again as it did after the New Carissa tragedy."

"The New Carissa incident brought to into focus how devastating an oil spill can be to the state's coastal economies and natural resources," said Wyden. "Requiring vessels to have spill prevention and preparedness plans will help establish accountability and put the safety of coastal residents, wildlife and businesses first."

In 1999, the New Carissa was grounded off the coast of Coos Bay, spilling 70,000 gallons of oil and wreaking havoc on the coastal economy of southern Oregon. Shellfish producers in the area faced particular economic hardship with the long claims procedure under the Oil Pollution Act. This legislation provides federal loans to assist these small business owners who often do not have the resources to wait out a lengthy process.

The loan program authorized under this legislation will be available to fishers and aquaculture producers who have not received the interim payments from the responsible party as required by the Oil Pollution Act. In addition, this legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Administrator of the EPA, to review the effectiveness of the current claims process and emergency response plans under the Oil Pollution Act and to submit any recommendations to Congress.

The bill will now go to the President to be signed into law.