Which act provides a framework primarily for addressing oil spills?

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 serves as the primary framework for addressing oil spills in the United States. This legislation was enacted in response to several high-profile oil spills that highlighted deficiencies in existing laws and response capabilities. It established a comprehensive federal program to prevent and respond to oil spills, enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard's authority in managing spill response efforts.

Under this act, the federal government has the authority to impose strict liability on responsible parties for spill-related cleanup costs and damages. It also requires the development of contingency plans for oil spill response and mandates that oil facilities and vessels prepare for potential spills through measures such as prevention and response planning. This proactive approach is vital for minimizing environmental impacts and improving the effectiveness of spill response operations.

Other acts mentioned, like the Clean Water Act, also address water pollution but do not focus specifically on oil spills. The Refuse Act addresses pollution in navigable waters and can be applicable in broader contexts, but it doesn't provide the focused framework established by the Oil Pollution Act. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, while important for dealing with hazardous substance cleanups, is not specifically tailored to oil spills, making the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 the most relevant legislation in this context.