BP Oil Spill
The BP oil spill is the greatest environmental catastrophe our country has ever experienced. It has been devastating to the ecosystem and the economy in the Gulf and we need to take a hard look at what could have prevented this spill to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.
BP is responsible for this spill and it must be held accountable for all damages. This disaster points to the need for strong, verifiable safety regulations and accountability from the oil industry before we move forward with approving new offshore drilling projects, especially deepwater projects. Sen. Franken cosponsored legislation that will ensure that BP pays for this disaster by eliminating the liability cap for oil companies.
This oil spill is a call to action for our country. Senator Franken believes that if there has ever been a moment to take action to reduce our dependence on oil, that time is now. America's energy policy must focus on energy efficiency and a transition toward clean, homegrown sources of energy. This transition will take a long time. In the meantime, we need to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, which may mean limited new domestic offshore drilling. However, before approving any new deepwater drilling, the federal government must ensure that the industry has proven, modernized safety measures in place.
