Commission On Oil Spill Response to Meet - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Commission On Oil Spill Response to Meet

The state is counting on a newly formed commission on oil spill response to come up with a report that they can use to invoke policy change. They will meet for the first time next week.

The commission will look at the current state and federal laws that involve the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), what officials learned from the event, how effective was the incident command and what improvements should be implemented.

The 16 representatives include 8 commissioners from the affected counties, 7 state agencies and a representative from the Governor's office.

Commissioner George Gainer is representing Bay County and says this report will help everyone in the long run. "I think that's very necessary if we want to have any kind of model or if we have learned anything from this oil spill as a county."

"Ultimately the report will have a list of recommendations that will go to the governors office and then from there. The Governor will be able to use it with the other four states and pursue any changes on the federal side of the law. "

The commission will be meeting for the first time on Wednesday, August 22, 2013 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center and are expected to deliver their report on January 1st.