Oceana Urges Administration and Congress to Ban All Offshore Drilling Indefinitely, including Planned Drilling in Arctic Ocean
On the one month anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon drilling disaster, ocean conservation group Oceana urges the Obama administration to ban new offshore drilling immediately and permanently. Oceana also urges an immediate suspension of planned exploratory drilling in the Arctic Ocean, specifically the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. Notably, the Deepwater Horizon Anniversary reminds us of the urgent need for change.
“Our oceans need a break,” said senior campaign director Jacqueline Savitz. “The damage on the Gulf Coast has just begun and will take many years, possibly decades, before we truly know how much we lost, both in dollars and in marine wildlife. Gulf coast communities and economies will be paying the costs of this tragedy for years to come.” In light of the Deepwater Horizon Anniversary, there is even more reason to ban offshore drilling.
Deepwater Horizon Offshore Drilling
“Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous business. We are pushing the limits of the environment and technology, while increasing the chances of catastrophe. The damage done by the Deepwater drilling disaster in the Gulf of Mexico reveals the high costs of an industry that has been allowed, through a laissez faire regulatory environment, to gamble the health of a great national asset — the economic engine in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. When will we stop putting the interests of the oil industry above the interests of coastal communities and marine wildlife?”
“As the Gulf incident unfolds, it becomes more and more clear that we simply do not have the technology to prevent a spill or clean one up. Deployment of booms is largely proving ineffective, with booms washing up on beaches, away from where they belong. Dispersants increase the toxicity and availability of the oil to marine life. Blowout preventers fail, cofferdams fail and no solution has been found, even a month after the accident occurred. It is clear the only way to prevent such a disaster from occurring is to stop future offshore drilling.” Deepwater Horizon Anniversary serves as a reminder of these ongoing risks.
Oceana calls on Obama
“So today, Oceana calls on President Obama and Congress to place an immediate and permanent ban on new offshore drilling and to suspend exploratory drilling that is planned for the Arctic this summer. This urgent appeal comes in light of the ongoing environmental crises that threaten marine habitats and depend on the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The Arctic region, known for its rich biodiversity, is particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of offshore drilling activities. With the potential for oil spills and other ecological harm, it is critical that our leaders take decisive action to protect these irreplaceable natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The oil and gas industry has dominated energy policy for too long. They privatize record-high profits and socialize many costs of offshore drilling. Oceana urges policymakers to protect the economic interests of all Americans. They should invest in cleaner, safer energy choices. These choices will create more jobs and stimulate our economy. They will not risk coastal livelihoods and marine ecosystems.” concluded Savitz. This matter is especially important as we observe the Deepwater Horizon Anniversary.
Oceana, an international ocean conservation group dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems, works tirelessly to restore and protect the world’s oceans through science-based advocacy, public education, and strategic campaigning. With a focus on sustainable fishing practices and the reduction of ocean pollution, Oceana aims to create a healthier marine environment for both wildlife and human populations. Their efforts include engaging with local communities, working alongside policymakers, and leveraging the latest scientific research to drive impactful change. For more information about their initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit http://www.Oceana.org.
