Texas Land Commissioner David Dewhurst has announced revised penalty guidelines for oil spills in Texas coastal waters. Beginning August 1 spills less than a gallon will draw fines of $250. Larger spills will draw fines up to $500 plus $250 per barrel of oil spilled. Penalties for failure to report a spill will range from $500 to $25,000 per day.

"Basic protection of our coastal environment requires that we create a powerful incentive to handle oil carefully and report spills promptly," Dewhurst said. According to the Commissioner, more than 1,200 oil spills were reported in Texas waters last year.

The new guidelines were developed by a task force made up of industry representatives, environmental groups, and GLO staff. The new scheme also includes incentives. Companies with a "Sound Management Practice Program" will receive reduced assessments when spills occur.

The new guidelines are posted on the Land Office web site, http://www.glo.state.tx.us/oilspill, as well as in the June 23 edition of the Texas Register at http://lamb.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/.