Massachusetts AG Filed Motion to Intervene in Lawsuit to Defend Oil Shipping Safety Law

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit to defend the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act, a state law aimed at preventing oil spills from unpowered barges traveling through Buzzards Bay. The law requires oil barges traveling through Buzzards Bay to be escorted by a second tugboat in addition to the tugboat pulling the vessel, and establishes navigation routes and minimum personnel requirements. The industry group American Waterways Operators is challenging the law, which was adopted in the wake of the 2003 Buzzards Bay oil spill and has been successfully defended against three prior lawsuits.

• Documents: Motion to InterveneMA Press Release
• Document Type: Motions Press Releases/Statements
• States: Massachusetts
• Agencies: Department of Homeland Security U.S. Coast Guard
• Issues: Fossil Fuels Natural Resources Oceans and Water Policy Oil and Gas Public Lands & Wildlife Water Water Pollution Wildlife
• Era: Non-Federal
• Outcome: Win
• Explanation of Outcome:The court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment, which MA supported.
• Action Type: Litigation