Massachusetts defends its oil tanker law

A federal judge will allow an environmental group to assist Massachusetts in defending itself against the federal government’s suit challenging a law intended to prevent offshore oil spills.

Coalition For Buzzards Bay executive director Mark Rasmussen told The Standard-Times of New Bedford that the new law will help prevent an accident like the April 2003 oil spill in Buzzards Bay that contaminated 93 miles of shoreline in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

The law set standards for alcohol testing, tug boat escorts, vessel routes and insurance.

“The bill is comprehensive. We have to defend it,” Rasmussen said.

The federal government sued in January, arguing the law should be struck down because portions violate federal authority. The lawsuit said routes are already designated for oil barges, crew requirements for tug escorts are governed by the Coast Guard, and drug and alcohol testing is set by federal law.

Four lobbying groups for the tow boat, tanker and shipping industries are seeking to join the lawsuit on behalf of the federal government, but the motion has yet to be accepted by the court.

—The Associated Press