Timeline
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1990
Congress establishes OSRI in response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.
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1992-1995
Congress appropriates $500,000 for the OSRI program.
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1995
OSRI’s first strategic plan focuses on the risks and costs of oil spills.
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1996
Congress extends OSRI mandate to expand its area of interest from the Exxon Valdez oil spill to all Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environments. OSRI is funded through annual interest earnings from a $22.5 million trust. -
1997
OSRI solicits its first grant proposals. Since 1998, OSRI awards around $900,000 a year to support a wide range of projects.
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2002
Strategic plan focuses OSRI programs on improving the prediction of natural changes.
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2005
Congress mandates that OSRI continue its programs until one year after completion of oil exploration and development in Alaska. -
2008
OSRI crosses $10 million milestone for projects funded since its inception. -
2012
Congress increases the OSRI trust to $35.2 million.
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2016
“Field Guide for Oil Spill Response in Arctic Waters” is updated. -
2016-2020
OSRI research plan emphasizes Arctic research due to new exploration in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. -
2018
OSRI marks its 20th anniversary. It has awarded $14 million to fund 170 projects since inception.