Oil Spills and Accountability

On April 20th, 2010 an oil tanker owned by BP caught fire, which killed 11 crew members, and then sank into the Gulf of Mexico. Adding to the human toll of this tragedy is the ensuing environmental damage and potential economic damage to the Louisiana Coast. So as crude oil gushes out into the gulf and engineers are scrambling to find a solution, one question remains: Who is accountable?

BP should be held accountable. Oil is spilling out of the damaged well at a rate of over 200.000 gallons per day. Eventually at a number that high, its magnitude is hard to comprehend. But what can be comprehended is the fact that this will have serious repercussions for the businesses and wildlife in the Gulf region. In an area still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this disaster has the potential to land another blow to the region. The wetlands are an incredibly delicate ecosystem with numerous endangered species and millions of gallons of oil will surely harm this area. If the wildlife of the Gulf are affected by this oil spill, then so will many industries and businesses. In an area where fisheries are prevalent, the economic damage could compound the already tough financial situations of many families.

But of course BP will not be held accountable. Despite the rhetoric of many politicians, the government cares more about large industries than average citizens. Large corporations like BP pull in billions of dollars a year. And with that money they can pay for campaigns and lobbyists to ensure that they have the legislators in their pocket. Even the media is beginning to change its view about this disaster. The initial reports used the typical action and doomsday language of the media. But stories, like a recent one from the New York Times, remind readers that this is far from the worst oil spill in history. Eventually the media will move on from this story to others it can impose its narratives on, like the failed bombing in Times Square. And once it does the attention of the general public will move on as well. But the damage and repercussions will remain. And the people affected by it will demand for justice as BP gets off the hook.

Works Cited:

CNN "BP to try unprecedented engineering feat to stop oil spill"

The New York Times "Gulf Oil Spill Is Bad, but How Bad?"

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