Factsheet: They Said It Was Safe - Oceana USA
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May 13, 2010

Factsheet: They Said It Was Safe

For more, check out the PDF of this factsheet.

Representatives from both the oil industry and the U.S. government insisted offshore drilling was safe. They were wrong.

Quotes from the Oil Industry:

“This is the first time the industry has had to confront this issue in this water depth, and there is a lot of real-time learning going on.” Tony Hayward, BP Chief Executive Officer, May 10, 2010

“If this works – hallelujah.” – Dr. Paul Bonner, petroleum engineering professor, University of Texas at Austin, May 6, 2010

 “The US oil and natural gas industry is one of the most modern, technologically advanced industries of its kind in the world.” – American Petroleum Institute, February 9, 2009

“MMS studies have repeatedly concluded that offshore oil and natural gas operations do not harm the marine environment.” – American Petroleum Institute, February 9, 2009

“Our experience in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere shows that we can produce oil and gas safely and efficiently, and our technology is helping us produce more with a smaller environmental footprint.” – Marvin E. Odum, President Shell Oil Company, February 25, 2009

” (Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico) has been going on for the last fifty years, and it has been going on in a way that is both safe and protective of the environment,” – David Rainey, BP’s Vice President of Exploration for the Gulf of Mexico, November 19, 2009

“Successfully drilling deep wells in water depths exceeding 5,000 feet is one example of industry’s ability to operate without adverse environmental impact.” Gary Luquette, President of Chevron North America Exploration and Production Company. February 25, 2009

Quotes from the U.S. Government:

“Oil exploration off the coast of Texas has been going on for years, providing a shining example of the safety, effectiveness and limited environmental impact of modern exploration technology.” Rick Perry, Texas Governor, June 18, 2008

“Not only is the industry finding and developing resources in more remote and challenging settings, it is significantly enhancing worker safety and pollution control in the process.” U.S. Department of Energy and Office of Fossil Energy, 1999

“I mean, just the gallons are so minuscule compared to the benefits of U.S. strength and security, the benefits of job creation and energy security. So while there are risks associated with everything, I think you understand that they are quite, quite minimal.” – Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.), November 19, 2009

“Furthermore, harvesting oil and natural gas offshore is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly options to produce energy.” – Representative John E. Peterson (R-PA), September 15, 2008

“[Exploration] and development in the OCS doesn’t mean the destruction of our environment, contrary to some thoughts. In fact, modern technology has made OCS development cleaner and safer than ever.” – Representative Doc Hastings (R-WA), February 11, 2009

“I’m part of the oil and gas industry, absolutely.” – Representative Dan Boren (D-OK), February 11, 2009