The oil companies copy-and-pasted the same impact statement for their oil spill disaster plan. So the following questions should be asked: What unassigned, oil spill disaster resources are currently available that are not being applied to the BP blowout? What State unassigned, oil spill disaster resources are currently available that are not being applied to the BP blowout? If they are all applied, suspend drilling and conduct safety reviews and tests until the oil spill resources become available from the BP blow-out. This approach has several beneficial results: All oil drilling companies are encouraged to make their own disaster plans and identify redundant spill response resources. They can 'double book' but only by identification of the 'double booking' and going into a safety stand-down if those resources are committed. All State governments are encouraged to make sure there are resources for two such disasters available. Not just one, but enough to handle a second BP blowout. BP will get a lot of 'help' from the other oil exploration companies . . . and the States. Bob Wilson
I think simply removing the damages cap of $75M and replacing it with no cap would go a long way to ensuring that things are done properly.
Before more drilling, perhaps we also need reviews and inspections of the existing abandoned wells to catalog their conditions and perhaps reseal any serious leakers. "No one - not industry, not government - is checking to see if they are leaking ..." Gulf awash in 27,000 abandoned wells
that and the companies that are operating wells in the gulf need to have realistic SOP for dealing with these sorts of issues. The moratorium should remain in effect until these companies get themselves sorted.
Hummm, something like: "We just noticed you all copied and submitted the same disaster plan. Therefore, all plans are null and void, submit new ones before drilling can resume." Bob Wilson
Since oil production has peaked, it is not possible for deep water drilling to be suspended, any more that is is possible for us to untangle our interests in the middle east. We are on course, the destination is approaching - and (who knows how far out, but) it's gona be a bumpy ride. But that's how life is, and has been for us, for untold generations.
xactly. I think that coupled with a policy of "you cause a catastrophe, you pay for it or have all your assets liquidated and possible prison sentences for the decision makers" ought to serve everyone well.
