The year was 1990. The Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90) was enacted. And the Marine Preservation Association (MPA) was created for the sole purpose of addressing problems caused by oil spills on water.

OPA 90 is rather straightforward in its demands: It requires that anyone involved in the transportation, distribution or receipt of petroleum products on water must establish an approved plan that -- should they cause a significant oil spill -- responds to the 'maximum extent practicable.' Such a response must be immediate, comprehensive, and safe.

The key word here is "immediate." Because during an oil spill response, time is of the essence. That is precisely why MPA created -- and entirely funds -- the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC). MSRC is the largest, most comprehensive, dedicated standby oil spill response program in the United States. MSRC is the key to providing an immediate response to the 'maximum extent practicable.' Most importantly, membership in MPA ensures that members have direct and immediate access to MSRC…so that clean-up can begin right away.