Washington state lawmakers held a hearing on Thursday to address an oil spill that damaged prized beachfront on the Suquamish Reservation.

A spokesperson for the tribe said the 4,800-gallon oil fuel spill has been a "traumatic event" for tribal members. A tribal fishery and an area used for clam digging were destroyed on December 30.

State Rep. Mike Cooper (D) said he would submit a bill requiring the use of oil-spill booms, which outside experts say could have prevented some of the damage. The tribe said it welcomed stricter rules.

Get the Story:
Tighter oil spill rules sought (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 1/16)
Bill addresses oil spill prevention (The Everett Herald 1/16)

Related Stories:
Suquamish Tribe's beachfront damaged by oil spill (1/15)