Join our crew and become one of the 109,650 members that receive our newsletter.

Drilling rig arctic ocean under tow

Alaskans Express Serious Concerns About Arctic Offshore Drilling

Rob Almeida
Total Views: 125
January 2, 2012

In an article in the Anchorage Daily News, Lois Epstein, Arctic Program director for The Wilderness Society, and member of the Offshore Energy Safety Advisory Committee for the DOI’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). expressed major concerns about Alaskan arctic drilling plans currently in the works by Shell:

For those of us who have watched with dismay as the Obama administration moves forward with approval after approval of Shell’s oil drilling permits for the Arctic Ocean, there’s a logical disconnect: Why would the administration allow drilling in the Arctic Ocean when there’s a reasonable likelihood of a disaster in the making?

Consider these three critical concerns:

  • Very few of the post-BP Oil Spill Commission’s and the National Academy of Engineering’s recommendations have been implemented, including no reforms to date by Congress.
  • Our understanding of the region’s ecology and the impacts a major spill would have, including on subsistence, is greatly insufficient, according to the administration’s own study by the U.S. Geological Survey. Additionally, there’s no plan to remedy that problem.
  • Spill “cleanup” technologies are primitive, with recovery of oil contacting the ocean measured in single-digit percentages.

In his article, Mr. Epstein further discusses these issues, and touches on the recent Shell Nigeria oil spill, and BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster.  Read the rest of his article here: http://www.adn.com/2012/01/01/2242202/were-not-ready-to-drill-safely.html#storylink=cpy

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,650 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.