Oil: A Deadly Source Of Energy

The entirely man made environmental disaster unfolding in the Gulf Of Mexico is likely to become the worst oil spill in America’s history surpassing the one of the Exxon Valdez, which occurred in Alaska 20 years ago. Despite all the promises made by our elected officials, we are still failing to address our addiction to oil. Relying on oil as a safe energy source is like playing Russian roulette with our health and the well being of the planet. Oil is dangerous and harmful to produce, transport (Exxon Valdez) and consume.

The leak coming from BP’s wrecked rig is estimated to be 5,000 barrels a day and is likely to keep spilling oil for at least another 90 days. The 200,000 gallons of oil a day spilling into the Gulf Of Mexico will affect the coast lines of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and even Florida. The disaster will have a catastrophic impact on the wildlife living in the Wetland of the Mississippi delta, especially on hundreds of breeds of marine birds. It is also expected to give a catastrophic blow to the fishing industry, which earns Louisiana $2.4 Billion a year, largely from shrimps, oysters and crabs.

The first oil from  BP’s leaking well has already hit the Louisiana coastline, and almost 5 years after Katrina this environmental catastrophe could even have a more devastating impact on the region than the hurricane.

Shortly after Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency and called for urgent help, the White House responded by declaring the spill a national disaster.

“While BP is ultimately responsible for funding the cost of response and clean up operations, my administration will continue to use every single available resources at our disposal, including potentially the Department of Defense,” said President Obama.

However, only four weeks ago, President Obama announced that he was in favor of new off shore oil drilling and oil exploitation in the Atlantic. Once again, our politicians are completely missing the big picture as far as our addiction to oil. The problem is not our addiction to the consumption of foreign oil, and the solution is not to boost up the production of domestic oil. The problem here is the product itself, not where it is coming from. From production to consumption, relying on oil as our main energy source has deadly consequences.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is trying to identify volunteers with specialized skills in handling oiled birds and Marshland animals. The coalition is coordinating its efforts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, coastal Parish governments and the Coast Guard.

“We are trying to find volunteers who have training in handling oiled wildlife. Volunteers with no specialized skill will be needed too,” said Coalition executive director Steven Peyronnin.

Mr. Peyronnin encourages anyone interested in helping in the giant task of a clean up expected to take months or even years to fill out a volunteer form accessible at the Coalition web site.

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