(a) The administrator shall periodically evaluate the feasibility of requiring new technologies to aid in prevention, response, containment, cleanup, and wildlife rehabilitation.

(b) (1) On or before January 1, 2017, the administrator shall submit a report to the Legislature, pursuant to Section 9795, assessing the best achievable technology of equipment for oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response.

(2) The report shall evaluate studies of estimated recovery system potential as a methodology for rating equipment in comparison to effective daily recovery capacity.

(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5, this subdivision is inoperative on July 1, 2020.

(c) (1) Considering, among other things, the report prepared pursuant to subdivision (b), the administrator shall update regulations governing the adequacy of oil spill contingency plans for best achievable technologies for oil spill prevention and response no later than July 1, 2018.

(2) The updated regulations shall enhance the capabilities for prevention, response, containment, cleanup, and wildlife rehabilitation.

(d) (1) The administrator shall direct the Harbor Safety Committees, established pursuant to Section 8670.23, to assess the presence and capability of tugs within their respective geographic areas of responsibility to provide emergency towing of tank vessels and nontank vessels to arrest their drift or otherwise guide emergency transit.

(2) The assessments for harbors in the San Francisco Bay area and in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area shall be initiated by May 1, 2016. The assessments for the other harbors shall be initiated by January 1, 2020.

(3) The assessment shall consider, among other things, data from available United States Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Systems, relevant incident and accident data, any relevant simulation models, and identification of any transit areas where risks are higher.

(4) The assessment shall consider the condition of tank and nontank vessels calling on harbors, including the United States Coast Guard’s marine inspection program and port state control program regarding risks due to a vessel’s hull or engineering material deficiencies, or inadequate crew training and professionalism.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 154. (SB 1171) Effective January 1, 2017.)