WWF has called for an immediate reaction from the US government to ensure that there is never a repeat of the environmental disaster ongoing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Investigation

Their first request is for an independent commission to be formed in order to conduct an in-depth investigation into both how the disaster occurred and the response following it.

No New Drilling

Additionally, they have urged the government to put on hold any new plans for drilling until the findings of this investigation have been published.

Oil Rush

As the situation in the Gulf continues to worsen, Shell Oil is moving forward with plans to begin new drilling off the north coast of Alaska in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas on July 1.

Shell’s planned drilling would take place in a harsh environment known for severe weather, moving ice and long periods of darkness. It is feared that if the Shell Oil is allowed to go ahead, then it would spark an Arctic oil rush as competition is high following more than 700 leases having been sold in the area.

Potential Disasters

WWF have only recently voiced their concerns over oil drilling spreading to increasingly remote and difficult areas. Following the publishing of a report into an Australian oil rig disaster, WWF called for more monitoring and legislation for drilling to ensure that the demand for oil does not push the industry into moving into areas where potential disasters would be more likely, more damaging and more difficult to contain.

Irresponsible

Their statements now reflect a similar sentiment:

“The Arctic region is, in nearly every respect, the exact opposite of the temperate conditions of the Gulf of Mexico,” said WWF President and CEO Carter Roberts.“Technology simply does not exist to clean up a spill in Arctic waters. And, unlike the gulf with its robust response apparatus close at hand, the Coast Guard lacks the capacity to adequately respond to a spill in the Arctic – and that’s not the assessment of WWF, but of the admiral who previously headed the Coast Guard district covering Alaska.

“Allowing Shell to proceed with drilling operations before we fully understand all of the factors related to the gulf disaster would be irresponsible.”

Immediate Action

While it will remain to be seen whether the power of the oil industry will give way under the intense scrutiny and pressure that this disaster has put on them, the grounds for a thorough investigation have already been laid.

Roberts praised legislation recently introduced by Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) that would create a 15-member commission to examine the BP disaster. “We commend Congresswoman Capps for providing strong leadership on this critical issue. Our hope is that President Obama will take immediate action to convene an independent commission, working closely with leaders in Congress to ensure a disaster like this never happens again.

Never Again

Roberts reiterated his belief that this disaster should spark a significant revaluation of drilling activity to ensure that a disaster like this never happens again:

“One of our nation’s greatest environmental disasters is unfolding off the gulf coast. Many questions remain as to the cause of the disaster and the efforts that could have been taken to prevent it. All the technological and regulatory factors must be fully examined by independent experts so that policymakers and the American public learn what went wrong and what is needed to ensure worker safety and prevent another environmental catastrophe.

“Until an independent commission can thoroughly examine the factors related to the gulf disaster, no new drill bits should be allowed in US waters.”