| This dissertation provides a comprehensive description of state-level oil pollution regulation within the United States. The study acts to identify challenges commonly experienced by those working in this field, and profiles innovative solutions that address these challenges. Recognizing that programs developed by one state may not be amenable to direct adoption by additional jurisdictions, alterations to the existing approaches are suggested, to improve both their effectiveness and generalizability.;A nationwide telephone survey of regulatory programs found to have jurisdiction over oil pollution was conducted; and the information gathered in this way was used to create a unique, in-depth portrait of the field. A set of common challenges were also identified, and paired with programmatic innovations found to exist in particular states. Four programs were identified as particularly promising model solutions, which the researcher visited to conduct multiple interviews.;Among the major findings of this research is the fact that the problem of oil pollution in the United States is likely much more severe than federal data indicate. Although data management practices at the state level are generally poor, it appears that most of the releases experienced today arise not from the activities of the oil industry itself, but from small, use-related sources, such as truck accidents and home heating oil tanks. Unable to address the myriad incidents they experience due to limited regulatory resources, many states opt for a cooperative, rather than a coercive relationship with the regulated community. Very few pursue natural resource damages, despite reported concerns over injuries to use and non-use resource services resulting from spilled oil.;The case studies included in Chapters 5 and 6 of this document provide detailed discussion and analysis of Florida's Used Oil Recycling Program and Formulaic Approach to natural resource damage assessment; as well as of Wisconsin's Professional Nutrient Applicator's Certification Program and SERTS data management system. It is hoped that by sharing the findings of this research the true nature and extent of the nation's oil pollution problem will be realized, and that the kinds of innovative solutions needed to create a more uniform and effective regulatory environment adopted at a greater rate. |
