United States – Environment and the Gulf Oil Spill

August 23, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The BP Gulf oil spill is a major economic, environmental and now political issue for the White House.

Since the disaster in April 2010, the economic consequences from the ecological damages proved to be unsustainable. Beginning with the distribution of $20 billion compensation from BP to the Gulf coast residents experiencing economic difficulties and the persisting marine life destruction is no longer a territorial concern but a national crisis.

No reason could possibly justify the delay or denial in the monetary disbursements for the Gulf States victims suffering from the cataclysmic industrial negligence.

Making BP accountable for the mishap with the $20 billion package is effective upon the victims actually receiving the payments due to them in the hour of need.

Evidently, the government scientists including the officials’ clarification and BP’s account together do not reflect the reality in damage control nor does it resolve the burgeoning problem.

According to the independent experts, it’s not possible to accurately measure the substantial loss to the ecosystem and the growing economic costs to the fishery, seafood and tourism industry –

For they have been largely affected in the worst environmental catastrophe.

The sprawling oil plumes contaminating the area urgently require non-toxic i.e. pure and natural agents in separating the floating oil residue on the surface.

By using the organic products as the subsidence would clear the water of the harmful toxic substance, while providing food source for the vast oceanic life.

Considering the prolonged, exhaustive and expensive cleaning methods applied unsuccessfully by BP and the government agencies thus far,

The operation could be handed over to the private organizations supplemented with the natives’ assistance from the coastal regions. These companies with the relevant technical expertise and the natives’ extensive knowledge about the vulnerable aquatic life would expedite the cleaning process and sustain the precious habitat.

It would enable the White House in monitoring the situation without being directly involved in crisis management.

Further the financial responsibility for the private companies and the natives’ involvement would be entirely on BP. The job losses could be replaced with the private jobs in addition to hiring the local residents in the massive environmental cleanup. The economic benefit would also include the tax earnings from the private sector.

Engaging the private industry has better prospects for immediate results besides addressing the constant criticism against the Obama Presidency on the alleged government takeover of the free market opportunities.

The private sector combined with the local residents’ efforts is guaranteed to bring relief to the Gulf coast economy and the environment.

Recent oil spills threatening life existence is widespread as noted in China, Mumbai, India and the United States with a blatant warning that clean renewable energy from natural sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biofuels are the only alternatives to preserve the planet for future generations.

In this context, it’s essential to shed light on the emerging bipartisan energy bill – “Cap and Dividends,” by the Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine and the Washington State Democrat Senator Maria Cantwell.

If both Senators could elaborate on the bill, it would increase public awareness and potentially influence the legislators in passing the bill.

United States and the rest of the world have no choice but to steer away from fossil fuel and nuclear energy by overwhelmingly adapting to the abundant clean renewable energy programs.

Protecting the environment is a collective obligation and the energy legislation would be a national assurance to their respective population.

Please save life by saving our beautiful planet.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Environment 

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