Detailed Summary

Federal Oil Spill Research Program Act - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to establish the Federal Oil Spill Research Committee as an interagency committee to coordinate a comprehensive federal oil spill research program, complete a research assessment on the status of oil spill prevention and response capabilities, and develop a federal oil spill research plan. Directs the Committee to: (1) establish a program for conducting oil pollution research, development, and demonstration; (2) submit to Congress an assessment of the status of oil spill prevention and response capabilities; and (3) establish the priorities for federal oil spill research and development.

Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) award competitive grants to higher education and other research institutions to advance research and development and to demonstrate technologies for preventing, detecting, or mitigating oil discharges; and (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to assess, evaluate, and report on the status of federal oil spill research and development.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/16/2009: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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