Inslee signs bill tightening rules for oil shipments

OLYMPIA - Washington is getting stricter regulations for oil transportation safety to protect state waterways from contamination under a law signed Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee.

The law directs the Department of Ecology to increase coordination with Canadian partners to increase safety and data sharing, and reduce the risk of oil spills.

It declares the intent to increase funding in prevention of oil spills, and developing preparedness plans in the case that oil may sink or submerge in water.

The DOE must also conduct specialized reviews for oil transportation that could sink or submerge, and the rules for spill cleanup or containment contracts are revised to include oil spill management, which includes things such as wildlife rehabilitation.

Finally, the department is required to practice equipment deployment drills every three years for onshore and offshore sites, as well as covered vessels.