Oceana Scientist to Testify about “No-Win” Use of Oil Dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico before Senate Environment & Public Works Committee - Oceana USA

Oceana Scientist to Testify about “No-Win” Use of Oil Dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico before Senate Environment & Public Works Committee

Press Release Date: August 3, 2010

Location: Washington, D.C.

Contact:

Dustin Cranor, APR | email: dcranor@oceana.org | tel: 954.348.1314

 

Oceana senior marine scientist Jacqueline Savitz will testify before members of the full Senate Environment & Public Works Committee about the known effects and suggested policy considerations for dispersant use in gulf waters.

The use of dispersants is a trade-off between protecting coastal marshes and seabirds and other marine life, such as fish.

Savitz will offer her perspective on use of Corexit, and will argue that dispersant use is “the lesser of two evils.” She will also touch on other aspects of oil spill policy and science.

At the Senate hearing, Oceana will urge an end to offshore drilling in U.S. waters as well as the development of a clean energy manufacturing base in the gulf region, to replace oil industry jobs with clean energy jobs.   Developing a new manufacturing and technology base will help meet the nation’s growing energy needs without worsening climate change.  It could also create new jobs and provide export opportunities.

Join us on Wednesday, August 4, beginning at 10 a.m. for the full Senate EPW hearing.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, beginning at 10 a.m. (second panel)

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 406

WHO: Oceana senior marine scientist and campaign director Jacqueline Savitz, along with other invited speakers from the EPA, NOAA, URI, Texas Tech, and LSU. 

See:  http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_id=1b15b24b-802a-23ad-4a77-db5833f5e28f