Gulf Oil Spill

Issue Overview

The Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig suffered an explosion in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, causing massive amounts of oil to leak into the Gulf of Mexico. At close to 200 million gallons, the spill far surpassed the roughly 11 million gallon 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, long seen as one of the U.S.'s worst environmental disasters.

Fears that the oil might find its way into the Gulf Stream and affect coastline from Florida to New England have diminished. Oceanographers have become increasingly optimistic that the Loop Current, a warm ocean current that flows into the Gulf Stream (which flows around the east coast of Florida), is staying south of the spill area.

Why does it matter to me?

In the ...

...aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, coastal residents have serious questions to consider. Should offshore drilling be stopped to prevent future environmental and economic catastrophes, or is offshore drilling essential to our energy independence?  If offshore drilling is permitted, what safeguards do we need in place? Palm Beach County's fish, wildlife, and beaches (and therefore tourism) are all at risk if oil is spilled closer to home.

What can I do?

Special skills are needed to clean up oil and affected wildlife, but there are activities in which community volunteers can engage. Volunteer Florida Disaster notes a big increase in requests for services by families severely affected by the oil spill. Connect with a local environmental organization or charity to find out how you can help.

•  1000 Friends of Florida

•  Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful

•  Loggerhead Marinelife Center

•  Palm Beach County Reef Rescue

•  Surfrider Foundation

You can also spearhead your own fundraising effort. Or maybe you're inclined to advocate for legislation and regulation. However you choose to help, stay informed about the spill's impact on Palm Beach County and the state of Forida, and think about our world's energy future.