Difference between revisions of "Offshore Oil Drilling"

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==Overview of Offshore Oil Drilling==
 
==Overview of Offshore Oil Drilling==
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For decades our coasts were protected from new offshore oil drilling. Unfortunately,
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The Surfrider Foundation is [http://www.surfrider.org/pages/policy-on-offshore-oil-drilling opposed to offshore oil drilling] in new areas. Our nation’s ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an expansion of offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet America’s energy needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation. Offshore oil drilling and oil spills critically impact already stressed marine ecosystems and lead to the industrialization of our coastlines. While there are numerous environmental problems associated with oil drilling, there are also negative economic impacts that we simply cannot afford. This fact sheet is intended to outline potential impacts of offshore oil drilling, and dispel myths that have been put forth by oil drilling proponents.  
circumstances changed in 2008 when former President Bush lifted a White House
 
moratorium on offshore drilling. Congress later followed suit by allowing a Federal
 
ban on drilling to expire. In March 2010 the Obama administration indicated that they would also potentially [http://oilonthebeach.blogspot.com/search?q=2012+lease allow drilling along several formerly protected areas of coastline], including the along the mid- and south-Atlantic coast and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  Then came the disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig blowout in April 2010 that released approximately [http://news.sciencemag.org/environment/2015/01/after-geoscientists-joust-judge-rules-bp-gulf-spill-totaled-3-19-million-barrels 200 million gallons of oil] into the Gulf of Mexico; fouled beaches and coastal wetlands from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle; killed birds, fish and marine mammals; and devastated the recreation and fishing-based economies of the Gulf States.<ref>[https://s3.amazonaws.com/pdf_final/7_OSC_CH_6.pdf Oiling a Rich Environment: Impacts and Assessment]</ref> These horrific developments caused the Obama administration to change course and on December 1, 2010 it was announced that the [http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Announces-Revised-OCS-Leasing-Program.cfm East and West Coasts as well as the eastern Gulf would continue to be protected] from new offshore drilling in the 2012-2017 leasing plan. Despite this, the oil industry and others are continuing to put pressure on Congress to open up additional coastal areas to offshore oil drilling.  In fact, the Obama administration has apparently yielded to this pressure and has included the waters off Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in their [http://www.boem.gov/five-year-program/ draft 2017-2022 offshore leasing plan], which was released in January 2015. [http://oceana.org/sites/default/files/offshore_energy_by_the_numbers_report_final.pdf An analysis by Oceana] demonstrates why this would be dangerous and unnecessary.  A few months' worth of oil are not worth risking our beaches and coastal economy.
 
 
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For decades, U.S. coastlines were protected from expanded offshore oil drilling by a federal moratorium that enjoyed bipartisan support. Unfortunately, in 2008, President George W. Bush lifted the White House moratorium, and Congress followed suit by allowing a federal ban on new drilling to expire. In 2016, the Obama administration finalized a 5-Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022 that protected the Atlantic, Pacific, Eastern Gulf of Mexico and Arctic from new offshore drilling lease sales. This decision was informed by years of scientific assessment and public input, and lauded as a major victory for the ocean environment and coastal communities.  
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The Surfrider Foundation is [http://www.surfrider.org/pages/policy-on-offshore-oil-drilling opposed to offshore oil drilling in new areas]. Our
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nation’s oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and
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[[File:Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling unit on fire 2010.jpg|400px|thumb|left|<small>The offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon burns in the Gulf of Mexico in April, 2010.</small>]]
ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling.
 
Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet
 
America’s oil needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally
 
sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation.
 
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[[File:Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling unit on fire 2010.jpg|400px|thumb|left|The offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon burns in the Gulf of Mexico in April, 2010]]
 
 
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As we have seen with the Deepwater Horizon disaster, offshore oil drilling and oil spills have the potential to critically impact pristine
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However, in 2018, the Trump administration was quick to renege on the approved 5-Year Leasing Program, and announced plans to expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Arctic Ocean, as part of the [https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/28/presidential-executive-order-implementing-america-first-offshore-energy America-First Offshore Energy Strategy]. The drastic [https://www.boem.gov/NP-Draft-Proposed-Program-2019-2024/ Draft Proposed OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024] attempted to open over 90% of the Outer Continental Shelf to new drilling and put our nation’s coastal communities, beaches, surf breaks and marine ecosystems at risk of a catastrophic oil spill. A summary of estimated impacts from the draft plan's expansion of drilling are provided by [https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/10/23/475732/trumps-offshore-drilling-plan-environmental-disaster/ Center for American Progress], and include an addition of 46 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and increase the frequency of large spills by roughly 10 times. Fortunately, hundreds of thousands of scientists, Surfrider members and coalition partners across the US made their voice heard, opposing this dangerous plan, resulting in President Trump and the Department of the Interior pausing this effort indefinitely.
marine ecosystems. Offshore oil drilling can also lead to industrialization of our coastlines. While there are
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numerous environmental problems associated with oil drilling, there are also
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'''Information from this article can also be found in the printable and downloadable [http://go.surfrider.org/offshoredrillingfactsheet Offshore Oil Drilling Fact Sheet].'''
negative economic impacts that we simply cannot afford during hard economic
 
times. This article is intended to outline potential impacts of offshore oil drilling,
 
and also to dispel myths that have been put forth by oil drilling proponents.
 
 
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Ultimately, America cannot drill our way out of an oil consumption problem. We
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[[File:Largest Oil Spills in US Waters, 2015 NOAA.jpg|Largest Oil Spills in US Waters from 1969 to 2015, NOAA]]
must look toward sustainable solutions that protect our natural resources, rather
 
than drilling for fossil fuels off our coasts. It is in the best interest of our
 
environment and economy to wean America off oil, and develop a sustainable
 
“energy portfolio” that includes renewable sources and conservation.
 
 
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Energy conservation is the most economical and environmental way to achieve
 
Energy conservation is the most economical and environmental way to achieve
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homes/businesses, are just a few ways we can reduce our oil and energy
 
homes/businesses, are just a few ways we can reduce our oil and energy
 
consumption. Conservation is much cheaper and healthier than investing in further
 
consumption. Conservation is much cheaper and healthier than investing in further
development of dwindling offshore oil reserves.
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development of dwindling offshore oil reserves. Additionally, technological advances in renewable sources have substantially reduced the cost of wind and solar energy production. As the capacity to store renewable energy increases, the ability for renewables to provide a consistent base load of electricity to the grid will as well.
 
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It’s imperative that America shifts away from an old mindset of relying on fossil
 
fuels. Climate change, and other environmental problems are not waiting for us to
 
‘rebuild our energy portfolio’. Oil drilling and continued use of fossil fuels will only
 
exacerbate climate change, and keep us trapped in a ‘backwards frame of mind’
 
which overlooks sustainable energy and conservation. The answers for sustainable
 
energy are already in front of us—and new offshore drilling is not part of the answer.
 
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==Environmental Impacts==
 
==Environmental Impacts==
[[File:Anacortes Refinery 31911.JPG|300px|thumb|right|Tesoro Corporation's Anacortes Refinery on the shore of Puget Sound in Washington state. Offshore drilling requires onshore infrastructure which disrupts the natural environment]]
 
There are serious environmental impacts associated with each stage of offshore
 
drilling. While some impacts may not be seen by the naked eye, there are a myriad
 
of impacts that local communities and elected officials must know about before
 
considering new oil drilling. Because the Surfrider Foundation is so concerned
 
about the environmental ramifications of drilling, we have chosen to highlight the
 
most harmful impacts for this article.
 
  
:*'''Oil Exploration—Seismic Surveys''': [[Seismic survey|Seismic surveys]] are conducted to locate and estimate the size of an offshore oil reserve. In order to conduct surveys, ships use ‘airgun arrays’ to emit high‐decibel explosive impulses in order to map the seafloor. The noise from seismic surveys can damage or kill fish eggs and larvae and impair the hearing and health of fish, making them susceptible to predators and making it challenging for them to locate prey or mates or communicate with each other. These disturbances can disrupt important migratory patterns, forcing marine life away from suitable habitats meant for foraging and mating. In addition, seismic surveys have been implicated in whale and dolphin beaching and stranding incidents.<ref>[http://www.nrdc.org/oceans/offshore/files/offshore.pdf Protecting Our Ocean and Coastal Economies: Avoid Unnecessary Risks from Offshore Drilling]</ref> <ref>http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/323503/20120403/seismic-tests-dolphin-death.htm</ref> <ref>http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/04/11016438-615-dead-dolphins-found-on-peru-beaches-acoustic-tests-for-oil-to-blame</ref> <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/04/09/killer-whale-death-navy-war-games_n_1411757.html</ref>
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There are serious environmental impacts associated with each stage of offshore drilling. While some impacts may not be as visible, there are a myriad of consequences that local communities and elected officials must know about before considering new oil drilling. As the Surfrider Foundation is concerned about the environmental ramifications of drilling, we have chosen to highlight the most harmful impacts for this article.
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:*'''Oil Exploration—Seismic Surveys''': [[Seismic survey|Seismic surveys]], also referred to as ‘air gun blasting’, are conducted to locate and estimate the size of an offshore oil reserve. In order to conduct surveys, ships use ‘airgun arrays’ to emit high-decibel explosive impulses to map the seafloor. The noise from seismic surveys can damage or kill marine life. High decibels are known to reduce the presence of zooplankton, impair fish eggs and larvae, and temporarily if not permanently deafen adult and juvenile fish and marine mammals. Without the ability to hear, fish and marine mammals struggle to communicate, navigate, avoid predators, and locate prey. These disturbances can also disrupt important migratory patterns, forcing marine life away from suitable habitats meant for foraging and mating. In addition, seismic surveys have been implicated in whale beaching and stranding incidents.<ref>[http://www.nrdc.org/oceans/offshore/files/offshore.pdf Protecting Our Ocean and Coastal Economies: Avoid Unnecessary Risks from Offshore Drilling]</ref> <ref>http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/323503/20120403/seismic-tests-dolphin-death.htm</ref> <ref>http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/04/11016438-615-dead-dolphins-found-on-peru-beaches-acoustic-tests-for-oil-to-blame</ref> <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/04/09/killer-whale-death-navy-war-games_n_1411757.html</ref> <ref>https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0195</ref> In 2014, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management completed a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on proposed seismic surveying in the Atlantic, and estimated that 13.6 million marine animals would be disrupted.<ref>https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-G-G-PEIS/</ref>
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:*'''Drilling and Processing Oil-Drilling Muds''': The process of drilling releases thousands of gallons of polluted water (2,700 tonnes), known as “drilling muds”. These muds contain toxic substances like benzene, zinc, arsenic, radioactive materials, and other contaminants used to lubricate drill bits and maintain pressure. Pending the level of toxicity, these muds are legally allowed to be released back into the marine environment.<ref>Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies.</ref> High concentrations of metals have been found around drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.<ref>MMS. 2001. “Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 181”, Final Environmental Impact Statement.
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https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-Newsroom/Library/Publications/2008/2008-011.aspx</ref>
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:*'''Drilling and Processing Oil-Air Pollution''': In 2008, over 60,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 50,000 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were released from U.S. offshore oil platforms. NOx and VOC’s can directly harm human health, and cause water quality deterioration, smog, contribute to climate change, and more.<ref>National Service Center for Environmental Publications. 1998, NOX: How Nitrogen Oxides Affect the Way We Live and Breathe. US EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.</ref>  Additionally, a 2019 study found that offshore oil and gas platforms in the North Sea were releasing twice as much methane than was reported, with a median release of 6.8 g of methane per second per offshore platform.<ref>Riddick, S. N., Mauzerall, D. L., Celia, M., Harris, N. R. P., Allen, G., Pitt, J., Staunton-Sykes, J., Forster, G. L., Kang, M., Lowry, D., Nisbet, E. G., and Manning, A. J.: Methane emissions from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 9787–9796, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-9787-2019</ref> Air pollution is also a problem at oil refineries, especially in California, where the refining of lower quality oil emits [https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-does-green-california-pump-the-dirtiest-oil-in-the-u-s 37% more greenhouse gas emissions] than higher quality, light crude oil from Texas.
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:*'''Oil Spills''': Oil spills are an unavoidable part of offshore oil drilling. Each year, about 880,000 gallons of oil are sent to the ocean from North American offshore oil drilling platforms, and that’s just during normal operations.<ref>Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies.</ref> Natural disasters can also prompt spills. When Hurricane Katrina whipped through the Gulf of Mexico, she destroyed [http://www.geotimes.org/feb06/feature_oilspill.html over 100 platforms] and caused the release of 8 million gallons of oil, the largest spill in the U.S. since the Exxon Valdez.  In 2004, Hurricane Ivan also damaged platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, triggering an oil spill that is still spewing oil today! The “Taylor spill” has been [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-14-year-long-oil-spill-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-verges-on-becoming-one-of-the-worst-in-us-history/2018/10/20/f9a66fd0-9045-11e8-bcd5-9d911c784c38_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.c214456f9cf8 leaking 300 to 700 barrels of oil every day] off the coast of Louisiana for the past 14 years, and there is currently no fix in sight.
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::As demonstrated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, oil spills have the potential to irreparably damage entire ecosystems. BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill released approximately 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, fouling beaches and coastal wetlands from Louisiana to Florida; killing birds, fish, and marine mammals; and devastating the recreation and fishing-based coastal economies of the Gulf States.<ref>http://truth-out.org/news/item/19526-gulf-ecosystem-in-crisis-after-bp-spill</ref> <ref>http://www.npr.org/2013/12/21/255843362/for-bp-cleanup-2013-meant-4-6-million-pounds-of-gulf-coast-oil</ref> Oil spills can also take many years to clean up. The Gulf of Mexico ecosystem was still in crisis more than three years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Nearly five years after Deepwater Horizon a study estimated that 6 to 10 million gallons of oil remain submerged at the bottom of the Gulf.<ref>http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2015/02/new_study_confirms_massive_und.html</ref> Another study published in May 2015 identified lung and adrenal lesions consistent with petroleum product exposure in several deceased bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins had been stranded in the northern Gulf of Mexico since the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.<ref>http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/20150520-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-contributed-to-high-number-of-gulf-dolphin-deaths.html</ref> The Center for Biological Diversity estimated that 115,000 birds, sea turtle, and marine mammals were killed or injured as a result of Deepwater Horizon.<ref>[www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/energy/dirty_energy_development/oil_and_gas/gulf_oil_spill/a_deadly_toll.html</ref> For a perspective by Surfrider Foundation seven years after the spill, see [http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/seven-years-after-deepwater-horizon here]. Nearly 20 years after the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off Alaska, more than 26,000 gallons of oil still remain in shoreline soils.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/feb/02/oil.pollution 18 years on, Exxon Valdez oil still pours]</ref>  There's also the issue of toxic chemical dispersants used during oil spill response and clean ups. Learn more about chemical dispersants in this [https://www.nap.edu/read/25161/chapter/1 2019 report by the National Academy of Sciences].
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::Sadly, offshore oil drilling associated spills take place on a consistent basis, just check out [https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/map NOAA's Incident Map], which shows the most recent oil incident reports. Nationwide, there have been 725 offshore related oil spills between 2001 and 2015, resulting in 207.4 million gallons of oil tarnishing our coastlines.<ref> [https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/osrr-oil-spill-response-research/1086aa.pdf Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. 2016. 2016 Update of Occurrence Rates for Offshore Oil Spills.]</ref> From 1995 to 2010, the U.S. Mineral Management Service recorded [https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/reports/oil-spill-response/all-spills-1964-2011.pdf almost 500 spills] in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean (including spills of toxic chemicals related to drilling).  Since 1969, there have been at least [https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-and-chemical-spills/oil-spills/largest-oil-spills-affecting-us-waters-1969.html 44 large oil spills] (over 10,000 barrels of oil each) in our nation’s marine waterways. This means that we can expect a spill of over 10,000 barrels, or 420,000 gallons, of oil every 13 months.
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[[File:Oil Leak from Damaged Well in Gulf of Mexico 2010-04-25.jpg|350px|frame|center|<small>Oil Slick from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The photo was taken five days after the explosion on the rig.</small>]]
  
:*'''Drilling and Processing Oil''': The process of drilling releases thousands of gallons of polluted water into the ocean, known as “drilling muds” (containing toxins like benzene, zinc, arsenic, radioactive materials, and other contaminants that are used to lubricate drill bits and maintain pressure). Unfortunately these discharges are largely unregulated.<ref>[http://www.offshore-environment.com/wasteenvimpact.html Waste discharges offshore oil and gas activity]</ref> High concentration of metals have been found around drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and have been shown to [[Bioaccumulation|bioaccumulate]] in our food chains. <ref>MMS. 2001. Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 181, Final Environmental Impact Statement.</ref> A recent study by the PEW Charitable Trust concluded that a single oil well discharges around 1,500 – 2,000 tons of waste material. Contaminants from oil drilling can accumulate on the sea floor, often smothering organisms and causing malformations, genetic damage, and mortality in fish embryos.<ref>[http://oceana.org/en/our-work/stop-ocean-pollution/oil-pollution/learn-act/impacts-of-offshore-drilling Offshore Drilling and Ocean Impacts]</ref> Fragile seafloor habitats are also greatly disturbed by drilling and construction of oil pipelines to transport oil back to shore. Of course, wetlands and beaches near the coasts can also be harmed wherever pipelines run across land. Air pollution is yet another major problem associated with drilling. Over its operational lifespan, a single rig can pollute as much as 7,000 cars driving 50 miles per day.<ref>USPIRG, see http://hubpages.com/hub/The-environmental-impacts-of-oil-drilling</ref> Air pollution is also a problem at oil refineries. Just for the state of California alone, refinery emissions of greenhouse gases account for about 40% of industrial emissions and almost 10% of the state’s greenhouse gases.<ref> [http://southdakota.sierraclub.org/LivingRiver/Waxman%20oil%20refineries.pdf Oil Refineries Fail to Report Harmful Emissions]</ref>
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:*'''Onshore Environmental Impacts''': Oil production requires massive onshore infrastructure for transportation, storage, processing, and delivery. As such, local communities can experience onshore environmental problems because of offshore drilling. To transport oil to processing plants, pipelines and roads are often built through coastal wetlands and beaches, causing severe rates in the loss of habitat functionality and acreage. Local communities are directly impacted by the reduction in habitat, as it results in the loss of “ecosystem services,” including protection from shore break and sea level rise, water purification, shoreline stabilization, and habitat for coastal and marine wildlife that may be crucial for industries reliant on tourism and recreation. As such, the oil industry externalizes the costs of air, water and land pollution at the [http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/tourism-and-oil-spills-dont-mix expense of our environment and tourism].
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[[File:Oil Leak from Damaged Well in Gulf of Mexico 2010-04-25.jpg|350px|frame|center|Oil Slick from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The photo was taken five days after the explosion on the rig.]]
 
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:*'''Oil Spills''': Oil spills have the ability to ruin entire ecosystems and can take numerous years to clean up. Nearly 20 years after the Exxon Valdez spill, more than 26 thousand gallons of oil still remain in the soil on the shoreline.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/feb/02/oil.pollution 18 years on, Exxon Valdez oil still pours]</ref> Sadly, oil spills take place on a consistent basis. Each year, about 880,000 gallons of oil are sent to the ocean from U.S. drilling operations.<ref>[http://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Leasing/Five-Year-Program/IntroChapter4Cthru4OImpactsAlternativesCumulative.aspx Minerals Management Service 2007. OCS Leasing Program: 2007‐2012. Final Environmental Impact Statement]</ref> From 1995 to 2010, the U.S. Mineral Management Service recorded 183 spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean (including spills of toxic chemicals related to drilling).<ref>[http://www.bsee.gov/Inspection-and-Enforcement/Accidents-and-Incidents/Listing-and-Status-of-Accident-Investigations.aspx Offshore Oil Drilling Incidents]</ref> The U.S. Department of the Interior also estimated that every three to four years, a spill of at least 10,000 barrels is expected to occur.<ref>[http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/offshore-drilling-oil-false-hope.php False Hope]</ref> Natural disasters often prompt spills. When Hurricane Katrina whipped through the Gulf of Mexico, she destroyed over 100 platforms and caused the largest oil spill in the U.S. since the Exxon Valdez<ref>[http://www.geotimes.org/feb06/feature_oilspill.html GEOTIMES: “After Katrina.”]</ref> (until the Deepwater Horizon disaster)<ref>[http://templatelab.com/deepwater-report-to-the-president-final-report/ Oil Spill Commission Final Report]</ref>, which may have been even worse than reported.<ref>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/04/22/what-bp-doesn-t-want-you-to-know-about-the-2010-gulf-spill.html</ref> The Gulf of Mexico ecosystem was still in crisis more than three years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster<ref>http://truth-out.org/news/item/19526-gulf-ecosystem-in-crisis-after-bp-spill</ref> <ref>http://www.npr.org/2013/12/21/255843362/for-bp-cleanup-2013-meant-4-6-million-pounds-of-gulf-coast-oil</ref> and nearly five years after that disaster a scientific study estimated that 6 to 10 million gallons of oil remain submerged at the bottom of the Gulf.<ref>http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2015/02/new_study_confirms_massive_und.html</ref> In another study published in May 2015 a team of scientists has discovered that dead bottlenose dolphins stranded in the northern Gulf of Mexico since the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have lung and adrenal lesions consistent with petroleum product exposure.<ref>http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/20150520-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-contributed-to-high-number-of-gulf-dolphin-deaths.html</ref>
 
  
::So how much will it cost to restore the Gulf of Mexico to its condition prior to the Deepwater Horizon disaster? Is restoration even possible? Well, in 2015 the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council ("Trustees") proposed to accept a settlement with BP to resolve BP’s liability for natural resource injuries from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Under this settlement, BP would pay up to '''$8.8 billion''' for restoration. Based on the Trustees' assessment of impacts to the Gulf’s natural resources, they determined that the best method for addressing the injuries is a comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem restoration plan. The draft plan would allocate funds from the settlement for restoration over the next '''15 years'''. That draft plan, and information on the proposed settlement with BP (called the Consent Decree), can be found [http://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-planning/gulf-plan/ here].
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[[File:Anacortes Refinery 31911.JPG|500px|center|]]
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<small>Tesoro Corporation's Anacortes Refinery on the shore of Puget Sound in Washington state. <br>
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Offshore drilling requires onshore infrastructure which disrupts the natural environment.</small>
  
:*'''Onshore Environmental Impacts''': Because oil production requires massive infrastructure on land (e.g., roads, storage tanks, pipelines, processing facilities, and other facilities) local communities can experience onshore environmental problems because of offshore drilling. Impacts associated with infrastructure can severely damage beaches, wetlands, and coastal habitats, which directly impact local communities that rely on tourism and recreation. Oil processing plants produce massive air pollution and also utilize large amounts of freshwater to process oil. It is unfortunate that the oil industry is externalizing the costs of the air, water and land pollution at the [http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/tourism-and-oil-spills-dont-mix expense of our environment and tourism].
 
 
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[[File:Oil-on-beach-Santa-Barbara.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Oil on the beach at Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara, California, on May 19, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard) ]]
 
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==Facts vs. Fiction==
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==Economic Impacts==
  
Before scrutinizing ‘oil drilling myths’, it’s important to examine economic
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Before scrutinizing ‘oil drilling myths,it’s important to examine economic arguments that prove our coastal communities are the mainstay of the U.S. economy and will undoubtedly suffer if new drilling occurs. The potential of catastrophic oil spills, continued contribution to climate change, and the eyesore of an industrialized coastline, could do significant harm to coastal communities and surrounding regions.  
arguments that prove our coastal communities are the mainstay of the U.S.
 
economy and will undoubtedly suffer economically if new drilling occurs. The
 
potential of catastrophic oil spills, not to mention the eyesore of an industrialized
 
coastline, could throw our already fragile economy into a tailspin.
 
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Nothing proves this point more than a recent study conducted by the National
 
Ocean Economics Program showing our “ocean economy” (specifically focusing on
 
tourism and recreation) contributes three times the amount of money to the U.S.
 
economy, compared to offshore oil production.<ref>[http://www.oceaneconomics.org/NationalReport/ 2009 National Ocean Economics Program Report]</ref>
 
 
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The report defines “ocean economy” as: ocean resources that have a direct or
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The National Ocean Economics Program reports on the importance of economic contributions from coastal states, which encompass over 80% of the nation’s population, GDP and employment. Additionally, the ocean economy’s  tourism and recreation industry singlehandedly provides the largest amount of jobs (71%) to the U.S. economy. In fact, ocean tourism and recreation provides 12 times the amount of jobs than the offshore oil industry.  In the event of a spill, the tourism and recreation industry is likely to experience severe economic damages, threatening the health and livelihood of coastal populations, and due to the nation’s reliance on coastal areas, the U.S. economy as a whole. For background, the report defines ocean economy as "ocean resources that have a direct or indirect input of goods and services to an economic activity".<ref>[http://www.oceaneconomics.org/NationalReport/ 2009 National Ocean Economics Program Report]</ref>
indirect input of goods and services to an economic activity. Nearly 75% of jobs
 
within the “ocean economy” sector are related to coastal tourism and recreation.<ref>[http://www.oceaneconomics.org/NationalReport/ 2009 National Ocean Economics Program Report]</ref> Coastal tourism contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. Offshore drilling could put coastal economies at risk and therefore have an impact on our larger economy.
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
'''COASTAL TOURISM REVENUE'''<ref>[http://noep.mbari.org?Market?coastal/coastalEcon.asp National Ocean Economics Program, 2015]</ref>
+
[[File:GDP ValueAdded Ocean&CoastalTourism.png|center]]
 
 
'''Note: revenue calculations are conservative estimates based on leisure and hospitality'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
! State !! Billions of Dollars, 2015
 
|-
 
| California || $98.8
 
|-
 
| Florida || $57
 
|-
 
| New York || $57.5
 
|-
 
| New Jersey || $17.8
 
|-
 
| Washington || $15.8
 
|}
 
 
<br>
 
<br>
In addition to tourism and recreation being impacted by drilling, fishing industries
+
In addition to impacting tourism and recreation, drilling can disrupt fishing industries. [[Seismic survey|Seismic surveys]], oil rig construction, spills, and drilling muds may displace fishermen. The fishing industry is another pillar in our U.S. economy that we cannot afford to jeopardize.
could also be disrupted and uprooted. [[Seismic survey|Seismic surveys]], oil rig construction,
 
potential spills, and decommissioning activities may displace fisherman. The
 
fishing industry is another pillar in our U.S. economy that we cannot afford to put in
 
jeopardy.
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
'''FISHING GENERATED INCOME IMPACTS BY REGION, 2010'''<ref>[http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/economics/publications/feus/fisheries_economics_2010]</ref>
+
[[File:FishingGeneratedIncome Com&Rec 2015.png|center]]
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
! Region !! Commercial Fishing !! Recreational Fishing
 
|-
 
| North Atlantic || $2,968,182,000 || $573,653,000
 
|-
 
| Mid-Atlantic || $3,559,910,000 || $1,259,883,000
 
|-
 
| South Atlantic || $3,234,909,000 || $1,785,847,000
 
|-
 
| Pacific || $6,633,419,000 || $756,912,000
 
|-
 
| Gulf of Mexico || $3,910,844,000 || $2,946,960,000
 
|}
 
 
<br>
 
<br>
'''MYTH: By expanding offshore drilling, America can wean itself off “foreign oil”.'''
+
'''Longterm Clean Up Costs After a Spill'''
  
'''Reality:''' A Congressional report from 2003 indicated that increasing offshore
+
The Deepwater Horizon disaster provides a prime example of the devastating long term impacts and economic costs of an oil spill. In 2015 the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council ("Trustees") proposed to accept a settlement with BP to resolve BP’s liability for natural resource injuries from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Under this settlement, BP would pay up to '''$8.8 billion''' for restoration. Based on the Trustees' assessment of impacts to the Gulf’s natural resources, they determined that the best method for addressing the injuries is a comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem restoration plan. The draft plan would allocate funds from the settlement for restoration over the next '''15 years'''. That draft plan, and information on the proposed settlement with BP (called the Consent Decree), can be found [http://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration-planning/gulf-plan/ here].
production would not significantly reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil. By completely developing our oceans for oil extraction, the Department of Energy estimates that oil imports would be reduced by a mere 2.5% in 2030, at which point we will have begun exhausting our offshore potential.<ref>[http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=can-offshore-drilling-make-us-independent Can Offshore Drilling Really Make the U.S. Oil Independent?]</ref> The term “foreign oil”
 
typically conjures up oil that is sourced from Middle East or OPEC nations. In
 
actuality, the United States imports nearly half its oil from non-OPEC
 
nations. Many
 
people are surprised to find out that America’s receives approximately 30% of its oil
 
from North America. In fact, Canada and Mexico are two of the largest oil
 
suppliers for the U.S.<ref>[http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=oil_imports EIA - Imports and Exports]</ref>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
The United States is the world’s largest consumer of oil, churning through 18.8
+
 
million barrels a day.<ref>[http://www.eia.doe.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=oil_home#tab2 Energy Statistics]</ref> By contrast, the United States only produces about 9 million
+
==Facts vs. Fiction==
barrels a day.<ref>[http://www.indexmundi.com/united_states/oil_production.html Oil Index]</ref> According to the Director of the Center for Energy and
+
 
Environmental Studies at Boston University, even under the most optimistic 'drill baby drill'
+
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/06/trumps-new-gulf-oil-and-gas-drilling-proposal-looks-a-lot-like-obamas/?utm_term=.87cf6ddb7f3f “The Gulf is a vital part of [the Trump Administration’s] strategy to spur economic opportunities for industry, states and local communities, to create jobs and homegrown energy and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”]  Let’s use this statement as a basis to start identifying and remedying the myths of the offshore oil and gas industry:
scenario, the U.S. would only produce an additional 2 to 4 million barrels a day, still
 
leaving us with a large import deficit. Even with new drilling, the U.S. would still need
 
to import about 40% of its daily oil consumption.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/20/new_offshore_drilling_not_a_quick_fix_analysts_say/ New offshore drilling not a quick fix]</ref> <ref>http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/aeo_2009analysispapers/aongr.html</ref>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
The U.S. needs a comprehensive energy plan that doesn’t contradict itself! While the
+
<big>'''MYTH: Offshore drilling will “spur economic opportunities for industry, states, and local communities to create jobs.”'''</big>
U.S. imports a large amount of oil, we are also exporting our own oil. Believe it or
+
 
not, the U.S. exports about 12 million barrels a year of oil. Why should we drill, if
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> Offshore oil and gas development could actually harm industries that depend on a healthy coast and ocean, and provide more jobs and income to local economies. This is most notable in the Gulf of Mexico, where for every state besides Texas, the ocean-dependent sectors of tourism, recreation and fishing provide the largest employment contributions.<ref>National Ocean Economics Program. 2017. 2015 OceanEconomy. Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey Center for the Blue Economy.</ref>
the U.S. is exporting oil? U.S. oil exports have steadily increased over the past 30
+
[[File:EconContributions FishTourismRec GOM.png|center]]
years and the trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.<ref>[http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/PET_MOVE_WKLY_DC_NUS-Z00_MBBLPD_W.htm EIA—Imports and Exports]</ref>
+
The current ocean tourism and recreation industry provides 12 times the amount of jobs than the offshore oil industry.<ref>Kildow, J.T., Colgan, C.S., Johnston, P., Scorse, J.D., & Farnum, M.G. 2016. State of the US Ocean and Coastal Economies – 2016 Update. National Ocean Economics Program. Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey Center for the Blue Economy.</ref> Additionally, a 2015 economic analysis found that the development of offshore wind would provide more jobs (an estimated 91,000 more jobs) and produce twice the energy when compared to the development of offshore oil.<ref>Menaquale, A. 2015. Offshore Energy by the Numbers: An Economic Analysis of Offshore Drilling and Wind Energy in the Atlantic. Oceana.</ref> Alternative offshore energy developments might actually provide more benefits to “industry, states, and local communities” through greater employment opportunities and cleaner energy production.
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
'''MYTH: New offshore oil drilling will give Americans “relief at the pump”.'''
+
<big>'''MYTH: Expanding offshore drilling will “spur…homegrown energy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."'''</big>
  
'''Reality:''' The U.S. Energy Information Administration (part of the Department of
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> Many people are surprised to find out that the U.S. is both the [https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=709&t=6 largest consumer and producer of oil in the world!] And even though the U.S. consumes more oil than it produces, the nation actually exports oil. This means that the U.S. currently has “homegrown” oil that it would rather export to other countries, in exchange for importing heavier foreign oil. Since it’s both quantity and quality driving the imports, there is no reason to expect new offshore oil drilling to cause this “reliance on foreign oil” to change.
Energy) stated: “…[drilling in] the Pacific, Atlantic, and eastern Gulf regions would
+
<br><br>
not have a significant impact on oil prices before 2030”. The report continues to
+
The U.S. produces 14.46 million barrels of petroleum every day (15% of the world’s production), and though it consumes 19.53 million barrels of petroleum every day (20% of the word’s consumption),<ref>U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Frequently Asked Questions: What countries are the top producers and consumers of oil? Independent Statistics and Analysis.</ref> the U.S. imported 10.1 million barrels every day in 2017. This means that the nation not only imported the oil necessary to meet demand, but it imported extra in order to swap out 6 million barrels daily of U.S. produced petroleum because of the quality.<ref>U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Oil Crude and Petroleum Products Explained. Independent Statistics and Analysis.</ref> The reason? U.S. oil refineries were designed to process heavy oil, but the oil produced in the U.S. is mainly light, so to save the oil industry money by avoiding refinery updates, U.S. oil giants actually export some the higher quality light oil in exchange for importing the heavier, dirtier oil (heavier oil releases more pollutants like NOx and VOCs during processing).<ref>ConocoPhillips. 2015. Why Importing and Exporting Oil Makes Sense. The Washington Post.</ref>
say: “Because oil prices are determined on the international market … any impact
 
on average wellhead prices is expected to be insignificant.<ref>[http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/ongr.html EIA—Other Analysis]</ref> The estimated maximum reduction in gas prices from increased offshore drilling is three to four cents a gallon.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1815884,00.html Will More Drilling Mean Cheaper Gas?]</ref> <ref>http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/aeo/otheranalysis/aeo_2009analysispapers/aongr.html</ref>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
So, let’s get this straight… we have to wait several years in order to experience a
+
Finally, the U.S. is currently experiencing its lowest dependence on oil in a long time, as net imports are at a 30-year low,<ref>Patton, M. 2016. U.S. Dependence on Oil Hits 30 Year Low. Forbes Contributor. </ref> importing less than 20% of the total US consumption.<ref>U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Oil Crude and Petroleum Products Explained. Independent Statistics and Analysis.</ref>  If we focus on reducing our consumption and investing in renewable storage capacity, instead of increasing national oil production, we can reduce this dependence even more.
tiny amount of relief at the pump? And while we’re waiting for “relief at the
 
pump”, we would be harming our economy and environment by drilling. This
 
doesn’t seem like the right answer!
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
'''MYTH: Offshore drilling will help us ensure our Nation’s long-term energy needs.'''
+
<big>'''MYTH: Offshore drilling will help us ensure our nation’s long-term energy needs.'''</big>
 
 
'''Reality:''' Even under the best‐case scenario, America’s offshore oil reserves would
 
provide us only 920 days, or 18 months, supply of oil at our current rate of
 
consumption.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/44169.html</ref> A recent study shows new drilling will not help long‐term energy
 
needs. Here’s an analysis for each region:
 
  
:*The North and Mid‐Atlantic contain a small amount of oil. At recent prices and usage, the region contains about 2.3 billion barrels of oil.
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> Even under the best-case scenario, America’s offshore oil reserves in the Atlantic and Pacific would provide us only 758 days, or about 25 months supply of oil at our current rate of consumption.<ref>https://www.boem.gov/2011-National-Assessment-Factsheet/</ref> A recent study conducted by Surfrider staff used BOEM technically recoverable offshore oil estimates<ref>https://www.boem.gov/2016-National-Assessment-Fact-Sheet/</ref> and US Energy Administration<ref>https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=33&t=6</ref> on national daily oil consumption to quantify the following estimates by region. These findings are supported by a similar analysis<ref>http://cdn.publicinterestnetwork.org/assets/2a7615c1164506ae0faae02ee7ffbfa0/Oceans-Under-the-Gun-Thurs-AM-version.pdf</ref> showing that new drilling will not significantly help long-term energy needs. Two years of oil is not worth risking the future health of our marine environments and coastal economies for decades to come.                                     
:*The South Atlantic contains an even smaller amount of oil. At recent prices, the area is estimated to contain approximately 0.31 billion barrels of oil, which would supply the nation with oil for about 15 days.
+
:*The North and Mid-Atlantic contain a small amount of oil. At 2016 usage and recent prices, the region contains about 4.2 billion barrels of oil, which would supply the nation with oil for 212 days (about 7 months).
:*In California, at recent prices and usage, the oil available off California’s coastline would supply the nation with approximately thirteen months of oil.
+
:*The South Atlantic contains an even smaller amount of oil. At recent prices the area is estimated to contain approximately 0.55 billion barrels of oil, which would supply the nation with oil for only 28 days.
:*In the Pacific Northwest, Washington and Oregon only have a minuscule amount of oil and would supply the nation with 15 days of oil.<ref>[http://cdn.publicinterestnetwork.org/assets/2a7615c1164506ae0faae02ee7ffbfa0/Oceans-Under-the-Gun-Thurs-AM-version.pdf Oceans Under the Gun]</ref>
+
:*In California, at recent prices and usage, there is an estimated 9.8 billion barrels of oil off California’s coastline, which would supply the nation with approximately 500 days of oil (16.5 months).
<br>
+
:*In the Pacific Northwest, Washington and Oregon only have a minuscule amount of oil, 0.4 billion barrels, and would supply the nation with just 20 days of oil.
This doesn’t seem like “long‐term” energy security.
 
<br><br>
 
 
[[File:Oil well blowout.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The result of a boat striking an inactive wellhead (US Coast Guard via gCaptain)]]
 
[[File:Oil well blowout.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The result of a boat striking an inactive wellhead (US Coast Guard via gCaptain)]]
'''MYTH: Advances in drilling technology have made offshore drilling “safer”.'''
+
<big>'''MYTH: Advances in drilling technology have made offshore drilling “safer”.'''</big>
  
'''Reality:''' New technology is far from safe as proven by numerous recent spills,
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> New technology is far from safe as proven by numerous recent spills
including the latest huge spills in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Australia. The Gulf of Mexico oil well blowout in April 2010 gushed for three months and totaled approximately 200 million gallons (about 4.7 million barrels). Off the west coast of Australia, using “state of the art”
+
including the latest spill off the coast of Canada. More than [https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/with-offshore-drilling-its-not-a-matter-of-if-spills-will-occur-but-when 1,572 barrels of oil spilled off Newfoundland, Canada] in November 2018, in an area of the North Atlantic where wave action remains too dense for cleanup still, three days after the spill. Back in 2009, off the coast of Australia, a rig using “state of the art” technology flaunted by oil companies, blew and spilled somewhere between [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-10-22/oil-leaking-five-times-faster-than-thought/1113420 400 barrels (oil company estimate) and 2,000 barrels per day (Australia Department of Resources estimate)], for over two months. From 1995 to 2010, the U.S. Mineral Management Service recorded [https://www.bsee.gov/sites/bsee.gov/files/reports/oil-spill-response/all-spills-1964-2011.pdf almost 500 spills] in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean (including spills of toxic chemicals related to drilling).
technology flaunted by oil companies, an oil rig blew out in 2009, spilling at least 400 barrels
 
of oil per day (estimate by oil company) and could have been as much as 2,000
 
barrels a day (estimate by Australia Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism).
 
That spill covered thousands of square miles of ocean and was not able to be
 
stopped for over two months.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/5l3RU9Sv0 ABC: Oct 22, 2009]</ref>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
There are claims by oil drilling proponents that “sub-sea drilling” can be done safely
+
Oil drilling proponents claim that “subsea drilling” can be done safely and out of sight. However, an investigative report exposed that subsea drilling installations are almost entirely used in depths greater than 5,000 feet.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091129/ARTICLE/911299998?Title=Faultypromises‐in‐bid‐to‐drill‐off‐Florida Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises.”]</ref> Waters in the Atlantic and Pacific are only a few hundred feet deep. For example, certain areas of the Pacific OCS are estimated at 650 feet.<ref>http://www.sanctuarysimon.org/regional_sections/shelf/overview.php?sec=cs</ref> Most waters off the coast of Florida run no deeper than 100 feet.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091129/ARTICLE/911299998?Title=Faultypromises‐in‐bid‐to‐drill-off‐Florida Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises..”]</ref>
and ‘kept out of sight’. However, a recent investigative report exposed the truth that
 
sub-sea drilling installations are almost entirely used in depths greater than 5,000
 
feet.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091129/ARTICLE/911299998?Title=Faultypromises‐in‐bid‐to‐drill‐off‐Florida Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises.”]</ref> Coastal waters off both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts only run a few hundred feet deep.
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
For example, in certain areas of the Pacific along the continental shelf, it’s estimated
+
Finally, in the wake of storms with unprecedented strength, how can we be so sure that new rigs will be able to withstand winds and storm surge associated with another Hurricane Irma-like storm, or worse? We already know that current platforms are not safe in the face of powerful storms. This was illustrated in the Gulf of Mexico when Hurricane Ivan, Katrina and Rita damaged a combined total of over 113 platforms, 457 pipelines, and spilled roughly 750,000 gallons of oil.<ref>[http://www.boemre.gov/tarprojects/581/44814183_MMS_Katrina_Rita_PL_Final%20Report%20Rev1.pdf MMS: Report on Hurricane Rita and Katrina]</ref> One such rig damaged during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, has been leaking oil for the [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-14-year-long-oil-spill-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-verges-on-becoming-one-of-the-worst-in-us-history/2018/10/20/f9a66fd0-9045-11e8-bcd5-9d911c784c38_story.html?utm_term=.b3669ad12e31 past fourteen years]! Even today, the Taylor Spill continues to spew up to 700 barrels of oil into the waters off of Louisiana every single day, with no fix in sight.
waters are approximately 650 feet deep.<ref>http://www.sanctuarysimon.org/regional_sections/shelf/overview.php?sec=cs</ref> Most waters off the coast of Florida run no
 
deeper than 100 feet.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091129/ARTICLE/911299998?Title=Faultypromises‐in‐bid‐to‐drill-off‐Florida Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises..”]</ref>
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
We know from experience that platforms are not safe in the face of powerful
+
<big>'''MYTH: Offshore oil drilling reduces the harmful pollution caused by natural tar seepage'''
storms. This was illustrated in the Gulf of Mexico when both Hurricane Katrina and
+
</big>
Hurricane Rita damaged a combined total of 124 platforms and spilled at least 741,400
+
 
gallons of oil.<ref>[http://www.boemre.gov/tarprojects/581/44814183_MMS_Katrina_Rita_PL_Final%20Report%20Rev1.pdf MMS: Report on Hurricane Rita and Katrina]</ref>
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> This is a common myth promoted by the oil industry. The environmental risks and damage caused by offshore oil and gas development far outweigh any potential environmental benefits of reduced natural tar seepage. Natural seepage of tar is in no way comparable to the impacts and risks of human offshore oil and gas development, which include direct harm to marine mammals during exploration, frequent oil spills, release of toxic drilling muds, a potential catastrophic oil spill, and extensive onshore habitat loss for the construction and operation of support structures. Though the amount of natural tar seepage can be surprisingly high, this seepage happens slowly, allowing the natural ecosystem to “adapt or even thrive in the tar’s presence”.<ref>Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies</ref>
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
'''MYTH: Potential economic benefits of offshore drilling “outweigh the risks”.'''
+
<big>'''MYTH: Potential economic benefits of offshore drilling “outweigh the risks”.'''</big>
  
'''Reality:''' In most instances, risk assessments of offshore drilling fail to take into
+
<big>'''REALITY:'''</big> In most instances, risk assessments of offshore drilling fail to take into consideration the economic risk to our beaches and coastlines. As discussed above, our coastlines are single-handedly the biggest revenue generators for the U.S. economy. Our nation’s ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling.  
consideration the potential risk to our beaches and coastlines in terms of their
+
<br><br>
functioning as economic engines. As discussed above, our coastlines are single-handedly the biggest revenue source for our economy. Our nation’s oceans,
+
Why bother with such risk? Images of oiled marine life, soiled coastlines, and massive oil slicks have been permanently etched into our hearts and minds over the years. America needs to conserve energy, protect our natural resources, and look for innovative ways to build a sustainable ‘energy portfolio.Offshore oil drilling is simply not the answer.  
waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that
 
will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling. Why bother with such risk?
 
Images of oiled marine life and vast amounts of oil covering the ocean have been
 
permanently etched into our hearts and minds over the years. America needs to
 
conserve energy, protect our natural resources and look for innovative ways to
 
build a sustainable ‘energy portfolio’. Offshore oil drilling is [http://www.nottheanswer.org/ Not the Answer].
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
==Footnotes==
+
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 
{{Clean water}}
 
{{Clean water}}
 
{{Ocean ecosystem}}
 
{{Ocean ecosystem}}

Latest revision as of 00:49, 7 January 2022

Overview of Offshore Oil Drilling

The Surfrider Foundation is opposed to offshore oil drilling in new areas. Our nation’s ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an expansion of offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet America’s energy needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation. Offshore oil drilling and oil spills critically impact already stressed marine ecosystems and lead to the industrialization of our coastlines. While there are numerous environmental problems associated with oil drilling, there are also negative economic impacts that we simply cannot afford. This fact sheet is intended to outline potential impacts of offshore oil drilling, and dispel myths that have been put forth by oil drilling proponents.


For decades, U.S. coastlines were protected from expanded offshore oil drilling by a federal moratorium that enjoyed bipartisan support. Unfortunately, in 2008, President George W. Bush lifted the White House moratorium, and Congress followed suit by allowing a federal ban on new drilling to expire. In 2016, the Obama administration finalized a 5-Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022 that protected the Atlantic, Pacific, Eastern Gulf of Mexico and Arctic from new offshore drilling lease sales. This decision was informed by years of scientific assessment and public input, and lauded as a major victory for the ocean environment and coastal communities.

The offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon burns in the Gulf of Mexico in April, 2010.



However, in 2018, the Trump administration was quick to renege on the approved 5-Year Leasing Program, and announced plans to expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Arctic Ocean, as part of the America-First Offshore Energy Strategy. The drastic Draft Proposed OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024 attempted to open over 90% of the Outer Continental Shelf to new drilling and put our nation’s coastal communities, beaches, surf breaks and marine ecosystems at risk of a catastrophic oil spill. A summary of estimated impacts from the draft plan's expansion of drilling are provided by Center for American Progress, and include an addition of 46 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and increase the frequency of large spills by roughly 10 times. Fortunately, hundreds of thousands of scientists, Surfrider members and coalition partners across the US made their voice heard, opposing this dangerous plan, resulting in President Trump and the Department of the Interior pausing this effort indefinitely.

Information from this article can also be found in the printable and downloadable Offshore Oil Drilling Fact Sheet.

Largest Oil Spills in US Waters from 1969 to 2015, NOAA

Energy conservation is the most economical and environmental way to achieve energy independence from fossil fuels. Riding mass transit, increasing auto efficiency, improving building insulation, and better management of electrical use in homes/businesses, are just a few ways we can reduce our oil and energy consumption. Conservation is much cheaper and healthier than investing in further development of dwindling offshore oil reserves. Additionally, technological advances in renewable sources have substantially reduced the cost of wind and solar energy production. As the capacity to store renewable energy increases, the ability for renewables to provide a consistent base load of electricity to the grid will as well.

Environmental Impacts

There are serious environmental impacts associated with each stage of offshore drilling. While some impacts may not be as visible, there are a myriad of consequences that local communities and elected officials must know about before considering new oil drilling. As the Surfrider Foundation is concerned about the environmental ramifications of drilling, we have chosen to highlight the most harmful impacts for this article.

  • Oil Exploration—Seismic Surveys: Seismic surveys, also referred to as ‘air gun blasting’, are conducted to locate and estimate the size of an offshore oil reserve. In order to conduct surveys, ships use ‘airgun arrays’ to emit high-decibel explosive impulses to map the seafloor. The noise from seismic surveys can damage or kill marine life. High decibels are known to reduce the presence of zooplankton, impair fish eggs and larvae, and temporarily if not permanently deafen adult and juvenile fish and marine mammals. Without the ability to hear, fish and marine mammals struggle to communicate, navigate, avoid predators, and locate prey. These disturbances can also disrupt important migratory patterns, forcing marine life away from suitable habitats meant for foraging and mating. In addition, seismic surveys have been implicated in whale beaching and stranding incidents.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] In 2014, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management completed a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on proposed seismic surveying in the Atlantic, and estimated that 13.6 million marine animals would be disrupted.[6]
  • Drilling and Processing Oil-Drilling Muds: The process of drilling releases thousands of gallons of polluted water (2,700 tonnes), known as “drilling muds”. These muds contain toxic substances like benzene, zinc, arsenic, radioactive materials, and other contaminants used to lubricate drill bits and maintain pressure. Pending the level of toxicity, these muds are legally allowed to be released back into the marine environment.[7] High concentrations of metals have been found around drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.[8]
  • Drilling and Processing Oil-Air Pollution: In 2008, over 60,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 50,000 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were released from U.S. offshore oil platforms. NOx and VOC’s can directly harm human health, and cause water quality deterioration, smog, contribute to climate change, and more.[9] Additionally, a 2019 study found that offshore oil and gas platforms in the North Sea were releasing twice as much methane than was reported, with a median release of 6.8 g of methane per second per offshore platform.[10] Air pollution is also a problem at oil refineries, especially in California, where the refining of lower quality oil emits 37% more greenhouse gas emissions than higher quality, light crude oil from Texas.
  • Oil Spills: Oil spills are an unavoidable part of offshore oil drilling. Each year, about 880,000 gallons of oil are sent to the ocean from North American offshore oil drilling platforms, and that’s just during normal operations.[11] Natural disasters can also prompt spills. When Hurricane Katrina whipped through the Gulf of Mexico, she destroyed over 100 platforms and caused the release of 8 million gallons of oil, the largest spill in the U.S. since the Exxon Valdez. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan also damaged platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, triggering an oil spill that is still spewing oil today! The “Taylor spill” has been leaking 300 to 700 barrels of oil every day off the coast of Louisiana for the past 14 years, and there is currently no fix in sight.
As demonstrated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, oil spills have the potential to irreparably damage entire ecosystems. BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill released approximately 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, fouling beaches and coastal wetlands from Louisiana to Florida; killing birds, fish, and marine mammals; and devastating the recreation and fishing-based coastal economies of the Gulf States.[12] [13] Oil spills can also take many years to clean up. The Gulf of Mexico ecosystem was still in crisis more than three years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Nearly five years after Deepwater Horizon a study estimated that 6 to 10 million gallons of oil remain submerged at the bottom of the Gulf.[14] Another study published in May 2015 identified lung and adrenal lesions consistent with petroleum product exposure in several deceased bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins had been stranded in the northern Gulf of Mexico since the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.[15] The Center for Biological Diversity estimated that 115,000 birds, sea turtle, and marine mammals were killed or injured as a result of Deepwater Horizon.[16] For a perspective by Surfrider Foundation seven years after the spill, see here. Nearly 20 years after the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off Alaska, more than 26,000 gallons of oil still remain in shoreline soils.[17] There's also the issue of toxic chemical dispersants used during oil spill response and clean ups. Learn more about chemical dispersants in this 2019 report by the National Academy of Sciences.
Sadly, offshore oil drilling associated spills take place on a consistent basis, just check out NOAA's Incident Map, which shows the most recent oil incident reports. Nationwide, there have been 725 offshore related oil spills between 2001 and 2015, resulting in 207.4 million gallons of oil tarnishing our coastlines.[18] From 1995 to 2010, the U.S. Mineral Management Service recorded almost 500 spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean (including spills of toxic chemicals related to drilling). Since 1969, there have been at least 44 large oil spills (over 10,000 barrels of oil each) in our nation’s marine waterways. This means that we can expect a spill of over 10,000 barrels, or 420,000 gallons, of oil every 13 months.
Oil Slick from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The photo was taken five days after the explosion on the rig.
  • Onshore Environmental Impacts: Oil production requires massive onshore infrastructure for transportation, storage, processing, and delivery. As such, local communities can experience onshore environmental problems because of offshore drilling. To transport oil to processing plants, pipelines and roads are often built through coastal wetlands and beaches, causing severe rates in the loss of habitat functionality and acreage. Local communities are directly impacted by the reduction in habitat, as it results in the loss of “ecosystem services,” including protection from shore break and sea level rise, water purification, shoreline stabilization, and habitat for coastal and marine wildlife that may be crucial for industries reliant on tourism and recreation. As such, the oil industry externalizes the costs of air, water and land pollution at the expense of our environment and tourism.
Anacortes Refinery 31911.JPG

Tesoro Corporation's Anacortes Refinery on the shore of Puget Sound in Washington state.
Offshore drilling requires onshore infrastructure which disrupts the natural environment.


Economic Impacts

Before scrutinizing ‘oil drilling myths,’ it’s important to examine economic arguments that prove our coastal communities are the mainstay of the U.S. economy and will undoubtedly suffer if new drilling occurs. The potential of catastrophic oil spills, continued contribution to climate change, and the eyesore of an industrialized coastline, could do significant harm to coastal communities and surrounding regions.

The National Ocean Economics Program reports on the importance of economic contributions from coastal states, which encompass over 80% of the nation’s population, GDP and employment. Additionally, the ocean economy’s tourism and recreation industry singlehandedly provides the largest amount of jobs (71%) to the U.S. economy. In fact, ocean tourism and recreation provides 12 times the amount of jobs than the offshore oil industry. In the event of a spill, the tourism and recreation industry is likely to experience severe economic damages, threatening the health and livelihood of coastal populations, and due to the nation’s reliance on coastal areas, the U.S. economy as a whole. For background, the report defines ocean economy as "ocean resources that have a direct or indirect input of goods and services to an economic activity".[19]

GDP ValueAdded Ocean&CoastalTourism.png


In addition to impacting tourism and recreation, drilling can disrupt fishing industries. Seismic surveys, oil rig construction, spills, and drilling muds may displace fishermen. The fishing industry is another pillar in our U.S. economy that we cannot afford to jeopardize.

FishingGeneratedIncome Com&Rec 2015.png


Longterm Clean Up Costs After a Spill

The Deepwater Horizon disaster provides a prime example of the devastating long term impacts and economic costs of an oil spill. In 2015 the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council ("Trustees") proposed to accept a settlement with BP to resolve BP’s liability for natural resource injuries from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Under this settlement, BP would pay up to $8.8 billion for restoration. Based on the Trustees' assessment of impacts to the Gulf’s natural resources, they determined that the best method for addressing the injuries is a comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem restoration plan. The draft plan would allocate funds from the settlement for restoration over the next 15 years. That draft plan, and information on the proposed settlement with BP (called the Consent Decree), can be found here.

Facts vs. Fiction

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said, “The Gulf is a vital part of [the Trump Administration’s strategy to spur economic opportunities for industry, states and local communities, to create jobs and homegrown energy and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”] Let’s use this statement as a basis to start identifying and remedying the myths of the offshore oil and gas industry:

MYTH: Offshore drilling will “spur economic opportunities for industry, states, and local communities to create jobs.”

REALITY: Offshore oil and gas development could actually harm industries that depend on a healthy coast and ocean, and provide more jobs and income to local economies. This is most notable in the Gulf of Mexico, where for every state besides Texas, the ocean-dependent sectors of tourism, recreation and fishing provide the largest employment contributions.[20]

EconContributions FishTourismRec GOM.png

The current ocean tourism and recreation industry provides 12 times the amount of jobs than the offshore oil industry.[21] Additionally, a 2015 economic analysis found that the development of offshore wind would provide more jobs (an estimated 91,000 more jobs) and produce twice the energy when compared to the development of offshore oil.[22] Alternative offshore energy developments might actually provide more benefits to “industry, states, and local communities” through greater employment opportunities and cleaner energy production.

MYTH: Expanding offshore drilling will “spur…homegrown energy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

REALITY: Many people are surprised to find out that the U.S. is both the largest consumer and producer of oil in the world! And even though the U.S. consumes more oil than it produces, the nation actually exports oil. This means that the U.S. currently has “homegrown” oil that it would rather export to other countries, in exchange for importing heavier foreign oil. Since it’s both quantity and quality driving the imports, there is no reason to expect new offshore oil drilling to cause this “reliance on foreign oil” to change.

The U.S. produces 14.46 million barrels of petroleum every day (15% of the world’s production), and though it consumes 19.53 million barrels of petroleum every day (20% of the word’s consumption),[23] the U.S. imported 10.1 million barrels every day in 2017. This means that the nation not only imported the oil necessary to meet demand, but it imported extra in order to swap out 6 million barrels daily of U.S. produced petroleum because of the quality.[24] The reason? U.S. oil refineries were designed to process heavy oil, but the oil produced in the U.S. is mainly light, so to save the oil industry money by avoiding refinery updates, U.S. oil giants actually export some the higher quality light oil in exchange for importing the heavier, dirtier oil (heavier oil releases more pollutants like NOx and VOCs during processing).[25]

Finally, the U.S. is currently experiencing its lowest dependence on oil in a long time, as net imports are at a 30-year low,[26] importing less than 20% of the total US consumption.[27] If we focus on reducing our consumption and investing in renewable storage capacity, instead of increasing national oil production, we can reduce this dependence even more.

MYTH: Offshore drilling will help us ensure our nation’s long-term energy needs.

REALITY: Even under the best-case scenario, America’s offshore oil reserves in the Atlantic and Pacific would provide us only 758 days, or about 25 months supply of oil at our current rate of consumption.[28] A recent study conducted by Surfrider staff used BOEM technically recoverable offshore oil estimates[29] and US Energy Administration[30] on national daily oil consumption to quantify the following estimates by region. These findings are supported by a similar analysis[31] showing that new drilling will not significantly help long-term energy needs. Two years of oil is not worth risking the future health of our marine environments and coastal economies for decades to come.

  • The North and Mid-Atlantic contain a small amount of oil. At 2016 usage and recent prices, the region contains about 4.2 billion barrels of oil, which would supply the nation with oil for 212 days (about 7 months).
  • The South Atlantic contains an even smaller amount of oil. At recent prices the area is estimated to contain approximately 0.55 billion barrels of oil, which would supply the nation with oil for only 28 days.
  • In California, at recent prices and usage, there is an estimated 9.8 billion barrels of oil off California’s coastline, which would supply the nation with approximately 500 days of oil (16.5 months).
  • In the Pacific Northwest, Washington and Oregon only have a minuscule amount of oil, 0.4 billion barrels, and would supply the nation with just 20 days of oil.
The result of a boat striking an inactive wellhead (US Coast Guard via gCaptain)

MYTH: Advances in drilling technology have made offshore drilling “safer”.

REALITY: New technology is far from safe as proven by numerous recent spills including the latest spill off the coast of Canada. More than 1,572 barrels of oil spilled off Newfoundland, Canada in November 2018, in an area of the North Atlantic where wave action remains too dense for cleanup still, three days after the spill. Back in 2009, off the coast of Australia, a rig using “state of the art” technology flaunted by oil companies, blew and spilled somewhere between 400 barrels (oil company estimate) and 2,000 barrels per day (Australia Department of Resources estimate), for over two months. From 1995 to 2010, the U.S. Mineral Management Service recorded almost 500 spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean (including spills of toxic chemicals related to drilling).

Oil drilling proponents claim that “subsea drilling” can be done safely and out of sight. However, an investigative report exposed that subsea drilling installations are almost entirely used in depths greater than 5,000 feet.[32] Waters in the Atlantic and Pacific are only a few hundred feet deep. For example, certain areas of the Pacific OCS are estimated at 650 feet.[33] Most waters off the coast of Florida run no deeper than 100 feet.[34]

Finally, in the wake of storms with unprecedented strength, how can we be so sure that new rigs will be able to withstand winds and storm surge associated with another Hurricane Irma-like storm, or worse? We already know that current platforms are not safe in the face of powerful storms. This was illustrated in the Gulf of Mexico when Hurricane Ivan, Katrina and Rita damaged a combined total of over 113 platforms, 457 pipelines, and spilled roughly 750,000 gallons of oil.[35] One such rig damaged during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, has been leaking oil for the past fourteen years! Even today, the Taylor Spill continues to spew up to 700 barrels of oil into the waters off of Louisiana every single day, with no fix in sight.

MYTH: Offshore oil drilling reduces the harmful pollution caused by natural tar seepage

REALITY: This is a common myth promoted by the oil industry. The environmental risks and damage caused by offshore oil and gas development far outweigh any potential environmental benefits of reduced natural tar seepage. Natural seepage of tar is in no way comparable to the impacts and risks of human offshore oil and gas development, which include direct harm to marine mammals during exploration, frequent oil spills, release of toxic drilling muds, a potential catastrophic oil spill, and extensive onshore habitat loss for the construction and operation of support structures. Though the amount of natural tar seepage can be surprisingly high, this seepage happens slowly, allowing the natural ecosystem to “adapt or even thrive in the tar’s presence”.[36]

MYTH: Potential economic benefits of offshore drilling “outweigh the risks”.

REALITY: In most instances, risk assessments of offshore drilling fail to take into consideration the economic risk to our beaches and coastlines. As discussed above, our coastlines are single-handedly the biggest revenue generators for the U.S. economy. Our nation’s ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling.

Why bother with such risk? Images of oiled marine life, soiled coastlines, and massive oil slicks have been permanently etched into our hearts and minds over the years. America needs to conserve energy, protect our natural resources, and look for innovative ways to build a sustainable ‘energy portfolio.’ Offshore oil drilling is simply not the answer.

References

  1. Protecting Our Ocean and Coastal Economies: Avoid Unnecessary Risks from Offshore Drilling
  2. http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/323503/20120403/seismic-tests-dolphin-death.htm
  3. http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/04/11016438-615-dead-dolphins-found-on-peru-beaches-acoustic-tests-for-oil-to-blame
  4. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/04/09/killer-whale-death-navy-war-games_n_1411757.html
  5. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0195
  6. https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-G-G-PEIS/
  7. Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies.
  8. MMS. 2001. “Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 181”, Final Environmental Impact Statement. https://www.boem.gov/BOEM-Newsroom/Library/Publications/2008/2008-011.aspx
  9. National Service Center for Environmental Publications. 1998, NOX: How Nitrogen Oxides Affect the Way We Live and Breathe. US EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
  10. Riddick, S. N., Mauzerall, D. L., Celia, M., Harris, N. R. P., Allen, G., Pitt, J., Staunton-Sykes, J., Forster, G. L., Kang, M., Lowry, D., Nisbet, E. G., and Manning, A. J.: Methane emissions from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 9787–9796, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-9787-2019
  11. Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies.
  12. http://truth-out.org/news/item/19526-gulf-ecosystem-in-crisis-after-bp-spill
  13. http://www.npr.org/2013/12/21/255843362/for-bp-cleanup-2013-meant-4-6-million-pounds-of-gulf-coast-oil
  14. http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2015/02/new_study_confirms_massive_und.html
  15. http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/20150520-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-contributed-to-high-number-of-gulf-dolphin-deaths.html
  16. [www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/energy/dirty_energy_development/oil_and_gas/gulf_oil_spill/a_deadly_toll.html
  17. 18 years on, Exxon Valdez oil still pours
  18. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. 2016. 2016 Update of Occurrence Rates for Offshore Oil Spills.
  19. 2009 National Ocean Economics Program Report
  20. National Ocean Economics Program. 2017. 2015 OceanEconomy. Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey Center for the Blue Economy.
  21. Kildow, J.T., Colgan, C.S., Johnston, P., Scorse, J.D., & Farnum, M.G. 2016. State of the US Ocean and Coastal Economies – 2016 Update. National Ocean Economics Program. Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey Center for the Blue Economy.
  22. Menaquale, A. 2015. Offshore Energy by the Numbers: An Economic Analysis of Offshore Drilling and Wind Energy in the Atlantic. Oceana.
  23. U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Frequently Asked Questions: What countries are the top producers and consumers of oil? Independent Statistics and Analysis.
  24. U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Oil Crude and Petroleum Products Explained. Independent Statistics and Analysis.
  25. ConocoPhillips. 2015. Why Importing and Exporting Oil Makes Sense. The Washington Post.
  26. Patton, M. 2016. U.S. Dependence on Oil Hits 30 Year Low. Forbes Contributor.
  27. U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018. Oil Crude and Petroleum Products Explained. Independent Statistics and Analysis.
  28. https://www.boem.gov/2011-National-Assessment-Factsheet/
  29. https://www.boem.gov/2016-National-Assessment-Fact-Sheet/
  30. https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=33&t=6
  31. http://cdn.publicinterestnetwork.org/assets/2a7615c1164506ae0faae02ee7ffbfa0/Oceans-Under-the-Gun-Thurs-AM-version.pdf
  32. Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises.”
  33. http://www.sanctuarysimon.org/regional_sections/shelf/overview.php?sec=cs
  34. Herald Tribune “Faulty Promises..”
  35. MMS: Report on Hurricane Rita and Katrina
  36. Committee on Oil in the Sea. 2003. Oil in the sea III: inputs, fates and effects. Divisions of Earth and Life Studies and Transportation Research Bard, National Research Council of the National Academies




This article is part of a series on Clean Water which looks at various threats to the water quality of our oceans, and the negative impacts polluted waters can have on the environment and human health.

For information about laws, policies, programs and conditions impacting water quality in a specific state, please visit Surfrider's State of the Beach report to find the State Report for that state, and click on the "Water Quality" indicator link.


This article is part of a series on the Ocean Ecosystem looking at the various species of plants and animals which depend on a healthy coast and ocean environment, and the threats that can be posed to them by human activity

For information about laws, policies and conditions impacting the beach ecology of a specific state, please visit Surfrider's State of the Beach report to find the State Report for that state, and click on the "Beach Ecology" indicator link.