Quote of the Day: White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs
I don’t honestly think it opens up a whole new series of questions, because, you know, in all honesty I doubt this is the first accident that has happened and I doubt it will be the last.
– White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, when asked whether the Deepwater Horixon drilling disaster would modify the Administration’s plans to open large sections of the U.S. coast to new offshore drilling leases.
Image: Detail from a NASA/MODIS capture of the Gulf of Mexico, showing an oil slick spreading from the site of the sunken Deepwater Horizon drilling rig.
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Chris Baskind writes about the environment and simpler living. He's also an advocate of carfree transportation, relying entirely on bicycles since June, 2009.Three years ago, Chris launched Lighter Footstep, a pioneering website focused on greener, healthier, more affordable living. It was recently acquired by the Mother Nature Network (MNN). Connect with Chris on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
What a mess. I sure hope that stays away from our beaches. Surfing an oil slick does not sound inviting.
You know what really hurts my head? Browsing the comments on this story over at the Pensacola News Journal (our local paper).
It's amazing how ideology convinces people to campaign against their own interests. Here we are, sitting on what I consider the prettiest beaches in North America. In addition to their environmental value, they're essential to our local tourism.
But there we have the comment trolls saying everything from “a little oil won't hurt anything” to wild-eyed accusations that the rig blowout was somehow the work of “eco-terrorists.” It's just jaw-droppingly stupid.
I certainly hope BP is successful getting the well valves closed, but they're not sounding too confident. Barring that, there's a collection cone idea that's never been tried in deep water. If those two options fail, oil will be leaking for months while they drill relief wells. I can't imagine any of the coastline would be safe under those circumstances — a summer of oil. Add a few tropical systems, and we could be in for a rough time.
Fingers crossed for a swift fix.