Oil Spill Protection Act [Lazily Law'd]

[Marokai Backbeat]

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(General slot, excluding Amendments.)

Sponsor: Marokai Blue

[Marokai Backbeat]

I think this piece of legislation is actually really great and I'm glad it has been proposed, but my biggest problem is Section 3 Clause 1...I think the language should be changed to "In the event of an oil spill or another oil-related disaster, the oil and drilling companies in question shall be entirely responsible for the disaster and shall be largely responsible for cleanup, however, if Atlasian citizens wish to volunteer to assist cleanup efforts, they shall be allowed to do so." or something like that. Volunteerism brings people together

How about this? More simple, I think:

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[Marokai Backbeat]

This bill raises taxes.

Very modestly, and only on oil companies that make over 1 billion in profits a year, and for a good (and life-saving) purpose. The oil industry is literally the most profitable industry on Earth.

Yeah, this. I'm in favor of lower taxation for all businesses, but I could be persuaded to support tax credits for more "responsible" companies.

I'm certainly open to including some sort of tax credit, if your support hinges on such a thing. I'm not really sure how to write it up in this instance, though.

Would it be wise to include language in this repealing the 2010 Oil Spill Protection effort so as to remove overlap?

After a quick browsing of that Act I see nothing in the two that directly contradict. I see no reason why they can't work in tandem with each other. This bill mostly just sets up different funding mechanisms, more research and development on safety and cleanup tech, and forces companies to be responsible for their messes.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I'd be supportive of an earned corporate tax reduction, but I don't think I would like to see it by too much, since we're already only taxing profits above a level that most people and companies would consider exorbitant anyway. Something like reducing it to 4% or 3.5% would I think be good.

What about reducing the profits tax that goes into the oil fund once it reaches a certain point? Once the Oil Spill Protection Fund reaches two billion, or something, we could cut the tax in half.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I'm not sure I entirely understand what you're both arguing for, sorry. Are you agreeing or disagreeing with the idea?

[Marokai Backbeat]

If someone wants to amend this bill, please do so. I don't particularly want to change anything about it myself, but if someone insists on it, propose it, and I probably won't oppose it. But if no one proposes something within 24 hours I'm bringing this to a vote.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Okay then folks. With no discussion after 24 hours, I'm bringing this to a final vote. Please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

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Aye!

[Marokai Backbeat]

This bill is now passing. Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.

[Marokai Backbeat]

This bill has passed. I now present it to the President for his signature.

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[Marokai Backbeat]

I enjoy how I'm criticized for letting bills sit on the floor while I'm in bed with the flu, but the President gets absolutely no criticism for not signing passed legislation that's been on the floor for over a week. Yes, no personal bitterness there.

This bill has now become law without the President's signature.