H.R. 3071

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase the civil and criminal penalties for oil spills, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · April 29, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Lieu · Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Table of contents

• H.R. 3071
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Civil and criminal penalties relating to oil spills

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act.

SEC. 2. Civil and criminal penalties relating to oil spills

• (a) Civil penalties
  • Section 311(b)(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act () is amended— 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)
    • in subparagraph (A) by striking each place it appears and inserting an amount that is at least; and
    • in subparagraph (D) by striking not more thanand inserting at least.
• (b) Criminal penalties
  • Section 309(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act () is amended— 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)
    • in paragraph (1)—
      • by striking ,500and inserting $5,000;
      • by striking 5,000and inserting $50,000;
      • by striking not more than 1 yearand inserting not more than 2 years; and
      • by striking punishment shall be by a fine of not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 2 years, or by bothand inserting the maximum punishment shall be doubled with respect to both fine and imprisonment;
    • in paragraph (2)—
      • by striking not less that $5,000and inserting not less than inserting0,000;
      • by striking $50,000and inserting inserting00,000;
      • by striking not more than 3 yearsand inserting not more than 6 years; and
      • by striking punishment shall be by a fine of not more than striking00,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than 6 years, or by bothand inserting the maximum punishment shall be doubled with respect to both fine and imprisonment; and
    • in paragraph (3)(A)—
      • by striking 50,000and inserting $500,000;
      • by striking not more than 15 yearsand inserting not more than 30 years; and
      • by striking striking,000,000and inserting ,000,000.