February 12, 2007

Purpose

The Oil Spill Act was signed into law by Governor Romney on August 4, 2004.   A key element of the Act is a Trust Fund, financed primarily by a 2-cent/barrel fee on petroleum products delivered to marine terminals in the state.  This Fund is to be used and disbursed by the Commissioner of MassDEP to ensure that the Massachusetts coastline is protected from oil spills, via spill prevention and response efforts and programs that may include: (a) improvements to vessel navigational systems and infrastructure; (b) development of spill response plans for local, regional, and/or state responders; (c) procurement and maintenance of spill response equipment for local, regional, and/or state responders; (d) development and implementation of spill response drills and exercises; and (e) implementation of spill prevention/response research efforts.

To assist the agency in making the most efficient and effective use of the Trust Fund, as well as other related policy and program matters, an Advisory Committee has been established. The Act does not mandate the establishment of a committee, but experiences in other states have confirmed the utility and benefits of such a group. 

Mission

The mission of the Advisory Committee will be to advise the Commissioner (and/or his/her designee) on the following matters:

1)  Approaches, actions, programs, systems and procedures to implement the OSA, in a manner that will optimize the integration and effectiveness of local, regional, state, inter-state, federal, and private-sector spill-response assets.

2)  Prioritization of areas for disbursements from the Trust Fund.

3)  Other matters that arise in the course of implementing the Act relating to technical and/or policy issues. 

The Advisory Committee will not address litigation issues, internal agency operational procedures, or specific spill/site matters.

Structure

Size - The Advisory Committee is composed of 11 members, appointed by the Commissioner for a term of two years.  Committee members and organizations have been selected to represent a wide rage of governmental and private maritime interests with the goal to maximize attendance and participation.

Meetings - An initial series of set-up meetings are proposed, followed by quarterly meetings for at least the first two years, to be held in various locations along the Massachusetts coastline.  There will be no quorum requirements.  In addition to invited committee members, the meetings will be open to all members of the public.

Voting - Formal voting will not occur.  Resolutions or recommendations from the committee will not be binding upon the agency.