Larsen Demands Answers on Oil Spill Preparedness

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sent a letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, to insist that the Coast Guard review and update its oil spill preparedness plans in light of a proposed new Canadian oil pipeline that will increase oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea. "Section 7407 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 required the Coast Guard to coordinate with other federal agencies to review and update the Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan, no later than 180 days after passage,” wrote Rep. Larsen. “I am concerned that the deadline has passed without Congress receiving an update on the Coast Guard’s efforts.” On July 2, the Government of Alberta announced a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean that would transport 1 million barrels per day to an export terminal at Roberts Banks in British Columbia. The new pipeline will increase tanker traffic in Haro Strait and Boundary Bay in the Salish Sea, and with it the risk of catastrophic oil spills. The Coast Guard’s Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan outlines and facilitates coordination between the U.S. and Canadian governments to prepare for oil spills that would impact marine ecosystems and environments in both nations. “The Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan is particularly important in light of the proposed energy infrastructure developments on the Pacific Coast of Canada,” continued Rep. Larsen. “A strong partnership between the United States and Canada is key to effective protection of shared waterways and responding to maritime emergencies... I am requesting an update on implementation of Section 7407 by August 31, 2026.” The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has oversight authority of the U.S. Coast Guard. At a roundtable discussion with Coast Guard officers on maritime safety last week, Rep. Larsen pressed Coast Guard officials on their awareness of the new Canadian pipeline and how it would implicate existing oil spill prevention plans. Following the roundtable, he released a statement vowing to keep pressing for answers from the Coast Guard on their oil spill prevention and response mission in the Pacific Northwest. The full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday can be read here and below: Admiral Kevin E. Lunday Commandant, United States Coast Guard United States Coast Guard Headquarters 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE Washington, D.C. 20593 Dear Admiral Lunday: I am writing regarding implementation of Section 7407 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 which required the Coast Guard to coordinate with other federal agencies to review and update the Canada-United States Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan, no later than 180 days after passage. I am concerned that the deadline has passed without Congress receiving an update on the Coast Guard’s efforts. This plan is particularly important in light of the proposed energy infrastructure developments on the Pacific Coast of Canada that could substantially increase crude oil tanker traffic through waters adjacent to the United States in the Salish Sea, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and approaches to Puget Sound. The potential increase in petroleum vessel traffic directly impacts the Coast Guard, which is responsible for maritime safety, pollution preparedness and response, waterways management and protection of critical maritime infrastructure. I am requesting an update on implementation of Section 7407 by August 31, 2026. In addition, please provide an update on the status of the coordination efforts with all relevant Canadian partners. A strong partnership between the United States and Canada is key to effective protection of shared waterways and responding to maritime emergencies. Expeditious implementation of Section 7407 will help ensure both nations remain prepared for evolving risks to navigation safety, environmental protection, and regional maritime security. ###