As oil is spilling into the Gulf from the latest offshore drilling accident, BP (British Petroleum) executives were busy meeting with Canadian politicians concerning future off shore drilling in Northern Canada. They are asking that certain safety/environmental regulations be dropped to save costs. One of the regulations they want dropped is the requirement to drill relief wells at the same time as the construction of the rig. Had there been a relief well constructed on the Horizon rig, the huge environmental disaster caused by the rig's demise may not have occured. It seems oil companies may know how to drill anywhere, but they sure don't know what to do when something goes wrong - guess it costs too much to figure that out!!
Furthermore, the BP rep (Drinkwater) offered no answers on the safety of drilling in the Arctic and declined to answer any technical questions. (I say sorry BP, the regulations stand.) Unfortunately, I wonder if the government can be trusted to make the right decision. In general oil companies and government do not have a good track record when it comes to environmental concerns. So what can we do - its time to make some NOISE!!!!
Reports on BP meets Canada's Government
Canada Grills BP on Arctic Plans Video Report: by Global Report
Interesting Stats on Effect of Oil Spill on Land --WOW!!
by the way in case you don't know...........Canada is still soliciting bids for exploration licenses in the Beaufort Sea and the Mackenzie River delta in the Northwest Territories. The locations up for grabs include a parcel of land roughly 200 kilometres offshore, to the west of existing leases owned by BP and Imperial Oil. (full article)
Something to think about - our consumption of oil and gas.
And......let's not forget about the environmental disaster created at the Athabasca Oil Sands in Alberta (same oil companies and government acceptance of "relaxed" regulations)
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