BP Oil Spill and Seafood

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has partnered with health officials in each of the Gulf states to ensure the safety of any seafood coming out of the Gulf. All seafood will be tested for the presence of oil before being sold. There is limited access to fishery stocks amid numerous closures by NOAA. However, several areas remain open, which has led to ongoing safety concerns. Despite the newly established safety program, others are concerned that oil may not be the only health hazard. Thousands of tons of dispersants have been applied to Gulf waters in an attempt to mitigate some of the impacts of the oil. The dispersants could also pose a threat to seafood safety. While they are less toxic than oil and have been tested and heavily monitored by the EPA, the sheer quantities in which they have been used are disconcerting. For more about the dispersants being used in the Gulf, go here. For reassurance, go here.

Source: ENN

BP Oil Spill and Clean Energy Legislation

Leaders from across the renewable energy sector are concerned that Congress is continuing to drag its feet on passing a comprehensive energy bill. Many voiced dismay at the recent Renewable Energy Finance Forum over ongoing partisan bickering in Congress despite the common frustrations and worries surrounding the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Several leaders noted that differences were put aside following the Santa Barbara oil spill in the late sixties. Environmental action became a priority with the passing of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Industry leaders asserted that now is once again the time to avoid partisanship because legislation needs to focus on energy diversification. Peter Duprey, CEO of Acciona Energy North America, noted that a long-term energy policy is necessary while Michael Garland, CEO of wind-powerhouse Pattern Energy Group, added that pressure from the renewable energy industry would facilitate political action stressing, “If you aren’t out there right now actively calling and writing your legislators, and asking 10 other people to do the same, you’re failing your industry in this business.” Despite political woes and other industry challenges, the green energy industry has certainly not been negatively affected by the oil spill, which, if anything, has simply highlighted the need for alternative sources of energy and fuel.

Source: Fast Company