Maryland Delegate hopes to stop companies from drilling off the coast

A Maryland Delegate proposing legislation intended to deter any companies from drilling off its coast. The Offshore Oil Drilling Liability Act was introduced by the chairman of the House Environment & Transportation Committee yesterday. The legislation would make companies strictly liable for spills or other damages that result from offshore drilling operations in the state, meaning they could be subjected to civil lawsuits despite any contract or understanding that waives their liability. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for tomorrow in the House Judiciary Committee.