Financial Responsibility Assistance for Underground Storage Tanks: Can Washington State Run a Pollution Reinsurance Company?

This Article reviews Washington state efforts to create a state financial responsibility assurance program; it analyzes EPA financial responsibility regulations; it examines the risks associated with insuring underground petroleum storage tanks; and it assesses the problems and merits of the state pollution liability insurance program as a potential solution to owner and operator financial responsibility needs. The Article concludes that the Washington program reflects the best efforts of the legislature to compromise the competing interests of the public, owners and operators of USTs, and environmental groups. If pollution insurers bargain in good faith with the state, the program will succeed in creating an affordable pollution insurance market in Washington while creating a profitable business opportunity for insurers.