Delaware River Protection Act of 2005

The Delaware River Protection Act of 2005 aims to improve maritime safety and environmental response capabilities following oil spills in the Delaware River and Bay. The bill increases the financial liability limits for vessel owners in the event of a spill and requires immediate reporting of any underwater obstructions that could pose a hazard to navigation. Additionally, it establishes a specialized program to develop technologies for cleaning up "submerged oil" that sinks below the surface and creates a local advisory committee to recommend long-term safety improvements for the region’s waterways.