SEATTLE (AP) — Some Washington state lawmakers want oil tankers to have better cleanup equipment and coordination in the event of a catastrophic oil spill.
Democratic Rep. Christine Rolfes of Bainbridge Island says the BP oil spill that marred Gulf Coast beaches and shoreline highlights the need to protect Washington state waters.
She wants oil tankers to invest in equipment that can clean up oil in high waves and heavy current, and detect oil at night. Her proposal also would require oil companies to recruit commercial vessels to aid in oil spill response.
Rolfes says she’ll introduce the bill Wednesday.
