# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 3. Courts of General Jurisdiction -- Jurisdiction/special Causes of Action

### Subtitle 21. Offshore Drilling Liability Act

#### Section 3-2101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Gas" means any natural gas or other fluid hydrocarbons that are produced from a natural reservoir.

  (2) "Gas" includes:

    (i) Carbon dioxide; and

    (ii) Hydrogen sulfide.

(c) "Offshore drilling activity" means:

  (1) The exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in, on, or under the federal outer continental shelf waters; and

  (2) Transporting oil or gas by pipeline, ship, or otherwise from a specific site of exploration, development, or production of oil or gas on the federal outer continental shelf.

(d) "Oil" means oil of any kind or in any form, including petroleum, petroleum by-products, fuel oil, sludge, crude oil, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes.

#### Section 3-2102

(a) An offshore drilling activity is an ultrahazardous and abnormally dangerous activity.

(b) A person that causes a spill of oil or gas while engaged in an offshore drilling activity is strictly liable for damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the spill.

#### Section 3-2103

A provision in any contract or agreement that attempts or purports to waive the right to bring an action under this subtitle or reduce any liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by a spill of oil or gas as a result of an offshore drilling activity is void as against public policy.

#### Section 3-2104

This subtitle may be cited as the Offshore Drilling Liability Act.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)