Environment Florida Tells Obama: Cancel Drilling Permanently

PENSACOLA – Last week in the Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon, one of the world’s most technologically advanced oil drilling rigs, exploded into a firestorm, killing eleven workers. Three days later the rig sank in more than 5,000 feet of water, and the well started spilling enormous amounts of oil.

Now, the Coast Guard estimates that approximately 5,000 barrels of oil per day (210,000 gallons/day) are being released by the broken well.

Today there are reports that the oil is reaching the Louisiana coast, threatening some of the most sensitive and productive wetlands in the U.S and the Delta National Wildlife Refuge. As the slick advances, it will begin to contaminate the shallow waters and marshes which host oysters, crabs and shrimp, nurseries for baby fish, and thousands of birds. Those that survive will be affected for some time to come with the chronic impact of oil. The Exxon Valdez oil spill still affects a broad variety of marine wildlife 20 years after that spill.

Adam Rivera, Environment Florida Legislative Advocate, issued the following statement:

“While I’m encouraged by the White House’s announced time-out for new drilling, the President should make it permanent. All it takes is a Presidential letter and signature to ensure that our beaches are permanently protected from future drilling disasters.”

“Furthermore, until we determine what went wrong on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig on the night of the accident, we should suspend new drilling on existing leases and make sure that producing wells are immediately inspected. Let’s make sure we don’t repeat whatever mistakes were made that night while we have the chance.

“I also urge President Obama to do everything possible to clean up the spill and make sure that BP is held fully accountable for the cleanup and damages.

“The Obama Administration is currently taking comments on proposals to open Florida’s coast to seismic exploration and new drilling. In light of this latest in a long line of drilling disasters, Environment Florida’s response is a resounding NO.

“This terrible tragedy won’t let us forget that oil drilling is a dirty and dangerous business. I urge the President to prevent future catastrophes by dropping plans to open up Florida’s Gulf waters to expanded drilling.
http://www.environmentflorida.org/newsroom/shores/save-our-shores-news/environme...