Political Quotes

“I appreciate the Senator's request for absolute clarity. Further reference to the example of the ruptured oil tank may best illustrate the answer to your question. Suppose the oil tank ruptures as a result of a manufacturing defect. It leaks oil, causing damage to the environment and the neighboring private property, as well as damage to the tank owner and the tank. The statutory construction of the environmental exemption is clear. This bill will not alter any law under which any injured party could recover for damage to the environment. To the extent that the owner or manufacturer of the tank is liable for civil damages or civil penalties, cleanup costs, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages or any other form of relief ordered to restore, correct, or compensate for damage to the environment, the rules in this bill would not apply. The bill would apply to an action by the private property owner to recover under State law for damage to that property based on the failure of the tank or on the basis that the oil, which is also a product, caused the harm. Similarly, under section 102(c)(7) this bill would not apply to third party actions related to environmental damages.”