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Dispatch → Bulletin → Policy
Vote For GA resolution Reducing Spills and Leaks
Ministry Review
Written by Sciongrad
The proposed resolution essentially covers the policy area recently left bare by the repeal of the Oil Tanker Standards Act - a very sensible idea for a resolution, I think. After all, the unregulated transportation of hazardous materials poses a constant transnational threat. Therefore, international cooperation to prevent damage to the environment caused by "leaks and spills" of dangerous materials is certainly worthy of consideration by the World Assembly.
I take minor issue with some content in the resolution, however. The Spills and Leaks Disaster Administration is an unnecessary addition to the World Assembly's bureaucracy because the International Transport Safety Committee - an preexisting committee - could easily assume the responsibilities delegated to the SaLDA. I have minor concerns regarding the vagueness of the SaLDA's mandate as well, as it's tasked with the very broad task of formulating policy that "minimizes the risk of a spill or leak during material transport and storage." However, while I would rather see some more specifics regarding how the SaLDA formulates its policy, I am aware that the character limit may not make such a degree of specification feasible.
Despite those minor quibbles, I find the use of bureaucracy appropriate for the task, and I like the flexibility that clause two permits. I also find the provision meant to ensure the implementation of policies formulated by SaLDA to be effective, along with the list of reasonable exceptions. The proposal is overall effective and of appropriate scope, and a major improvement over the previous and recently repealed legislation. For these reasons, my recommendation is to vote For this resolution.
This recommendation was originally published on 2014-07-12. It was reposted as this dispatch for archival purposes.